Most of a website’s success stems from attracting users in the first place, and for that, you need to do well with search engines. When people use Google, you want the search results to point to your site. Achieving that goal comes from the practice of SEO.

Within that practice, you have a specific tool at your disposal. It doesn’t constitute the whole of SEO, but it’s important enough for you to read about it today. That tool is known as a sitemap.

What Is a Sitemap?

When you have a website, it often consists of multiple pages. All of those pages fall under a general domain. For example, this post is on the Rock Content bog. The main domain is rockcontent.com, and the blog is a section of the website under that primary domain.

A sitemap is a list of every page for a website that is under the main domain. So, any page you can load on the Rock Content domain should be visible on the sitemap.

Sitemaps come in different shapes, sizes, and designs, and they offer many uses and purposes — all of which will be covered in this post.

As you go through it, remember that in most cases, sitemaps are either made in XML or HTML. You can also have both.

What Is the Purpose of a Sitemap?

We can think of 3 main purposes:

1- Facilitating search engine crawling

The leading reason to use a sitemap is to make it easier for search engine crawlers to navigate your entire site. This usually helps your SEO rankings, as the crawlers can more easily ascertain the content and value of your site.

It’s worth noting that XML maps tend to optimize better for this purpose.

How does this work?

It’s pretty simple. Web crawlers automatically navigate web pages to take note of all content and put that through their algorithms for search rankings.

When you have an optimized XML sitemap, the crawlers will view that, and it will help them make decisions about how they organize and catalog the information for the search engines. Basically, you’re giving the crawlers a road map to follow. That reduces any risks of making mistakes with your content or even failing to identify some content on your site altogether.

2- Enhancing user navigation

The other leading reason for sitemaps caters to users. HTML sitemaps can make it easier for humans to find what they want on your website. That’s good for traffic, user satisfaction, and most other metrics you might watch after you publish a website.

3- Indicating updates and changes

Finally, both XML and HTML sitemaps help inform people (and search engines) when you make any changes to the site. You just added a whole merchandise catalog that wasn’t there before? Your sitemap will make that obvious.

Benefits of Sitemaps

We’ve said, it works like a map to crawlers. Here are more details:

Improved indexing

You have already seen that sitemaps help web crawlers find things on your website and tag them correctly. This leads to better indexing.

Indexing is a term used by search engines to describe how they catalog information on the internet. Those catalogs are then put through search engine algorithms to determine which sites show up at the top of the list.

Your sitemap helps these systems tag your content so that it is indexed correctly in their master catalogs.

Better SEO performance

Naturally, if you want to show up first in search results, proper indexing becomes paramount. If the web crawlers are not tagging your site correctly, it can and likely will adversely affect your results.

A simple sitemap prevents the most common errors, and that usually improves your search results right away.

Perhaps more importantly, the sitemap also shows the web crawlers how you value and rank information on your site. The map shows a hierarchy of the pages in the domain. Whatever you put at the top of the site is assumed to be the most valuable, and that impacts how the algorithms present your content to search queries.

Additionally, your sitemap shows a list of updates and changes, so if you put some work into SEO, that will be reflected in the sitemap, and it can help the search engines find and account for those changes faster.

Enhanced visibility for new content

Remember how sitemaps can help users and search engines see when you change or add things? Well, that provides a direct benefit when someone visits your website. You can use the sitemap to funnel people to the new content, making it easier to find and more noticeable in the first place.

How to Create a Sitemap

I know it may sound scary, but the good news is: it’s simple.

Tools and methods

As you learn how to make a sitemap, you will find that you can create sitemaps by hand or using automation tools.

If you create it by hand, you just need a text editor that allows you to save XML files. You can use that to create the map, and then you can upload the XML file to Google for indexing.

If you want to use automation tools, you have a plethora of options.

Some of the best sitemap generator tools include the following:

• XML-Sitemaps.com
• Rank Math
• Slickplan.com
• Sitebulb
• And countless others

Many tools support both XML and HTML, but make sure any tool you pick can generate in the language you choose.

Creating an XML sitemap step-by-step

The easiest way to create an XML sitemap is to use a generator tool. The exact steps will depend on the tool you pick, but here’s what you can expect:

1. List every URL on your website.
2. Enter the list into your generator tool. It should code them into XML for you.
3. Tag the sitemap. You can add information like when the page was modified last or how often you make changes.
4. Submit the site to Google.

If that seems easy, it is. Most tools simplify the process and walk you through each step.

If you want to do things by hand, you can follow the steps laid out by Google. It’s the same process, but you’re typing things yourself, which will take a little more time than using a generator.

Common mistakes to avoid

Sitemaps can be simple, but there are still common mistakes.

The most common is having an out-of-date map. If you change your website, update the sitemap. You only need to add the new pages, subtract deleted pages, and change the tags to reflect the changes. In most cases, it takes a few minutes.

Also, focus on consistency. The sitemap should match the layout of your website content. That’s where you get the most SEO value.

At the same time, clarity is everything. A sitemap should not feel like a maze, and it should not feel complicated. You’re trying to make things easy for users and bots.

Lastly, make it accessible. The XML map is great for search engines, but your map can also improve the user experience. Make the HTML map visible (usually as a header or at the bottom of each page).

What Should Be in a Sitemap?

Essential elements of a sitemap

You want to include every page that you would like to appear on search engines. For large sites, that might take some time, but you do want all of them on the map, and organized logically.

If you’re unsure where to start, focus on the most important pages and then build from there:

• Home page
• Category pages
• Subcategories
• Contact
• Blog
• Brand information

Priority and frequency tags

In addition to the content list, you want accurate tags. The most important tags are priority and frequency.

Priority tags allow you to rank your own content for the search engines. You can rank things from 0.0 to 1.0, where 1.0 is the most important. Tags default to 0.5, so rank your most important pages higher than that and your least important pages lower than that. Ranking everything at a 1.0 will not help your search results. Create a hierarchy based on how you value your content.

Frequency tags tell the crawlers how often you typically make changes to the site. These tags start at “never” and scale to “always.” If you are not constantly updating the site, you can pick a timeframe that makes sense for how you manage the site. Remember the scale includes hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly.

How to Submit a Sitemap to Google

Using Google Search Console

First, navigate to the Google Search Console. You will need to sign in to get started.

On the side of the page is a bar that allows you to select your website. Go ahead and do that. There will be an option labeled “Sitemaps.” Click on it.

You will see a list of any submitted sitemaps. If you have not submitted a map, click on the box labeled “Add a new sitemap.” It will allow you to upload the sitemap, and once you do, click “submit.”

Once you submit, it will show up in the list of sitemaps. If there are any problems, the list will show you specific errors that were found with yours. You can correct them, update the map, and you will be good to go.

Best practices for sitemap submission

After you submit the map, confirm that it is in the submitted list and free of errors.

If you have a large website, remember that map does have a size limit: 50MB or 50,000 URLs.

How to Use a Sitemap

Integrating sitemaps with SEO strategies

When you devise an SEO strategy, you will identify specific pages where you want to steer traffic. Make sure those are listed correctly in your sitemap, and prioritize them accordingly.

If your strategy shifts over time, update the tags and priorities to reflect your new strategy.

The sitemap is a single tool in this endeavor. Simply keep it up to date as you go, and it will serve you well.

Monitoring and updating sitemaps

You should periodically check in on your sitemap. Make sure Google can still see all of your pages (on the Search Console). Make changes to the sitemap as needed, and upload those changes in the console.

These simple practices will keep your sitemap up-to-date and functional.

If your site is large enough, consider sitemap audits. They allow you to take a detailed look at the whole site periodically. This ensures that information is accessible and logical and helps you extract the most value from your sitemaps.

Real-World Examples of Effective Sitemaps

E-commerce

A great example of an HTML sitemap can be found on Aribnb.com (in a footer at the very bottom of the page). With countless listings under the domain, Airbnb is managing a huge list. Yet, the sitemap is easy to understand and follow.

Content-rich blog

If you want to see a sitemap working hard in a more content-focused space, then look no further than Gizmodo. As one of the most popular blogs of all time, it can show you exactly what a content-focused sitemap looks like.

One more example here

Perhaps the best was saved for last. Amazon is one of the largest and most used websites in the world. It would seem a waste to exclude it from these examples. So, here’s one among the many Amazon sitemaps. You can see that it covers specific information in a clean and easy-to-follow way.

Conclusion

Sitemaps can boost your SEO by helping you optimize your website layout. More importantly, they tell web crawlers critical information that aids in indexing. On top of that, they can help users navigate your site, leading to a better experience.

If you want to push your SEO to the next level, including professional help with sitemap planning and creation, then start with our on-page SEO checklist.

Sitemaps FAQ

What are sitemaps used for?

Sitemaps are used by search engines to understand the layout of a website and prioritize pages and information within the site. They are also used by people to navigate to the page they want when visiting a site.

Are sitemaps still a thing?

Yes, sitemaps are still a thing. In fact, Google recommends keeping your sitemap up to date.

Where are sitemaps?

Sitemaps are lists that show the structure of pages within your website. They show where individual pages fit within the hierarchy of the whole site.

What are the main types of sitemaps?

You can make XML and/or HTML sites. XML sitemaps are for Google bots to help them index your site. HTML sitemaps are for users to see the easy navigation on your page.

Are sitemaps necessary for SEO?

Sometimes. Very small websites that are not updated frequently can get away with skipping sitemaps, assuming you have good internal linking. For all other websites, sitemaps help with your SEO rankings.

What is the difference between a website and a sitemap?

The website is the content that people can browse on the internet. It includes all of the front-facing and behind-the-scenes information necessary for the website to work.

A sitemap is really just a clean list of all of the pages on your website that can help search engines and people get what they want.

Is it OK to have multiple sitemaps?

Yes. In fact, for large enough sites, this becomes mandatory. You can create sitemaps for different purposes. All of your static or slowly changing content can live on one map, while your rapidly changing content might live on a different map.

Do search engines use sitemaps?

Yes. The sitemap helps the engines catalog your information. You can also use tags to tell the engine which pages are most important within your website and how often they should check back in to rank the changes you make.

Are sitemaps automatically generated?

No. Search engines do not automatically generate sitemaps. That said, automation tools can do all or most of the work for you. As an example, some content management systems will make sitemaps for you as a service.

The post Sitemaps: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhancing Your Website’s SEO appeared first on Rock Content.

With lots of award categories like Film, Digital Craft, Innovation, and more, the festival celebrates great work in many areas. A single campaign can even win multiple awards.

One thing that stood out at this year’s event was that humanity and humor proved to be essential in cutting-edge creativity. While AI’s role is growing, the festival showcased a strong commitment to problem-solving and impactful innovation through creative ideas. Which was evident across the stages and Grand Prix winners. 

Additionally, the event spotlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion as fundamental pillars of innovation. The festival showed how diverse perspectives and inclusive practices can drive more impactful creative work.

In this article, we’ll explore key trends and innovations that emerged from the festival, providing insights to inform and inspire your next big campaign. Let’s dive in!

Key Trends and Innovations

Artificial Intelligence in Advertising

This year, as we expected, AI took center stage at Cannes Lions. Generative AI is revolutionizing how campaigns are crafted, bringing a new level of creativity and efficiency. Imagine creating personalized ads in real-time, customized to individual preferences. That’s the power of AI!

Generative AI is transforming the way brands interact with their audiences. By analyzing huge amounts of data, AI can predict trends and create highly relevant content that connects with specific audiences. This technology is also changing how people search for and interact with content.

AI is already playing a bigger role in creativity: it was used in 12% of all entries submitted this year. However, the innovation seen at the Festival was still human-inspired, highlighting the synergy between technology and human creativity. As Mira Murati, CTO at OpenAI, noted, AI is becoming more accessible through intuitively designed tools that don’t require specialized skills. She emphasized that “the technology comes to you.”

Examples and Case Studies:

• OpenAI’s Innovations: OpenAI demonstrated its latest AI tools that help brands create personalized content more efficiently​. Murati also emphasized the importance of this development, stating: “It’s a ‘shared responsibility’ in figuring out how the technology comes into the real world. Even when we think about job displacement or how we elevate certain skills, roles, that’s quite dependent on how we shape the technology and the way we shape it will shape our society. I don’t see [it] as a predetermined outcome.”

• Spotify’s Innovation: There were great examples of brands innovating with familiar tools and channels. However, one that caught my attention for its innovation and creativity was Spotify. Spotify won the Digital Craft Lions Grand Prix with ‘Spreadbeats’, the first music video to be coded and experienced within, guess what, an Excel spreadsheet! Yes, you read it right… Innovations like this open doors to infinite possibilities, including considering Spotify as a video platform (videos are everywhere!).

AI is beyond automation; it’s about how you can use it with creativity. We know that AI can analyze huge amounts of data to predict trends and create content that connects with specific audiences. However, there’s concern that the democratization of tech tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney will lead to what Jeriad Zoghby, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Interpublic Group, called “enhanced mediocrity.” He noted, “Without differentiation, the competitive middle is starting to swell”.

Elon Musk, CTO of X (for me, always Twitter!), offered some advice: “This is the most interesting time in all of history. So enjoy the ride.” 

As well said by Alexander Chen, Director of Creative Lab at Google:

Data-Driven Marketing

We all know that, more than ever, data is gold. First-party data, collected directly from your audience, provides deeper insights into consumer behavior. This year, the focus was on taking this data to drive smarter marketing strategies.

With Google planning to phase out third-party cookies by 2025, marketers are looking for alternatives to gather and utilize data effectively and ethically. Apple’s privacy updates, such as App Tracking Transparency, are pushing marketers to adapt. These changes require brands to find new ways to collect and use data responsibly while respecting user privacy. 

First-party data allows brands to really ‘read their audience’s minds’! Providing deeper customer insights and leading to more personalized and effective campaigns. Experian highlighted that campaigns leveraging first-party data significantly boost ROI and customer engagement.

As Denise Persson, CMO at Snowflake, put it, “Marketing has always been all about, how do I continue to optimize and how can I do more with less? AI will be big for these use cases.”

Collaborations and Partnerships

Strategic collaborations were a highlight at Cannes Lions 2024, with numerous partnerships announced that promise to drive innovation and growth in the advertising industry. These partnerships occurred in different areas, from technological advancements to creative content development.

One significant partnership that stood out was between Omnicom and Amazon Ads. This duo is combining their strengths to integrate Amazon’s ad tech into Omnicom’s platform, increasing data connectivity and insights for better targeting and personalization. 

A fun and creative example was the ‘Michael CeraVe’ campaign. This Grand Prix winner in the Social & Influencer category started as a joke on Reddit, linking actor Michael Cera to the skincare brand because their names sound similar. The playful campaign took off on social media, blending humor and creativity to generate buzz and engagement. The perfect blend!

Besides bringing innovation and growth (and laughs!), these kinds of partnerships can also transform the entire advertising industry. Imagine the possibilities…

Talent and Culture

The importance of diversity in a team was a major focus at Cannes Lions 2024. Nick Law, Creative Chairperson at Accenture Song, said that creativity “requires more than just one way of thinking” and offered some interesting advice for building a strong creative culture: “work with freaks, make scary stuff, and have some bloody fun.”

It’s not that difficult to find marketing professionals with inflated egos. But don’t fall into that trap! In any collaboration, trust is fundamental. As Kika Douglas Castroviejo, Chief Creative Officer of 180 Global, wisely observed, “creating without ego” is crucial as it “widens your aperture of understanding”.

The case of Renault’s double Grand Prix winner ‘Renault – Cars to Work’ was highlighted as a great example. Amy Lanzi, CEO at Creative Commerce Lions, praised it, saying, “The Jury was profoundly impressed by Renault’s innovative approach to solving genuine human dilemmas and pain points, while simultaneously driving business sales.”

Realizing that creative talent can come from anywhere opens up new levels of inclusion and brings in diverse perspectives. “You are what makes companies human, what makes brands human,” said Unilever’s Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, Esi Eggleston Bracey. So true!

Some brands are getting in on this, revolutionizing recruitment by changing outdated perceptions. Take Heineken’s ‘Bar Experience,’ as an example. This Gold PR Lion winner turned hospitality jobs from dead-end gigs into valuable, formative experiences.

Another case that caught my attention was McDonald’s Japan. They won the Gold Social & Influencer Lions with the campaign ‘No Smiles,’ where they encouraged employees to be their true selves at work.

Creative Excellence

“Even when you have AI in the mix, the heart of the creative process is still people,” said Vidhya Srinivasan, Google’s VP and General Manager of Advertising. It’s not only about storytelling. This is an important ingredient, of course! And it can (and should!) be combined with a lot of traditional techniques like illustration, stop-motion animation, and so on.

One example that also caught my attention was the collaboration between LOEWE and Suna Fujita, which resulted in a 35% increase in revenue.

Another piece that couldn’t be out from this article was the Film Craft Lions Grand Prix winner ‘The Square Meter.’

Going deep into your story before crafting it is key. As Alexander Schill from Serviceplan Group put it, “Go really deep into what you want to tell before crafting the shit out of it.” Respecting culture helps shape these stories, like in Unilever’s ‘Transition Body Lotion’ campaign.

Simplicity is crucial. It’s about your approach too. As a photographer (in my free time!) I couldn’t agree more with Riccardo Fregoso from Dentsu Creative who said, “The moment you reduce the possibilities, you start to focus.” 

Award-Winning Campaigns

Among this year’s winners, it was tough to decide which ones to highlight here… But after some thought, I chose the campaigns that touched me (and I hope they inspire you as well!). They stood out for their creativity, innovation, and understanding of their clients’ needs while making the world a better place.

Coca-Cola’s “Thanks for Coke-Creating”:

Won the Gold Lion for its collaborative campaign, proving the power of user-generated content and community engagement. This campaign grabbed attention and sparked conversations, perfectly aligning with Coca-Cola’s commitment to innovation.

Heinz’s “A.I. Ketchup”:

This Creative Effectiveness Grand Prix winner had a fun twist. Heinz had asked people worldwide to draw ketchup, and they all drew Heinz. This year, they asked AI to draw ketchup, and guess what? The AI drew Heinz too! Through humor, they showed that even AI knows Heinz is the real deal. Good catch!

KPN’s “Piece of Me”:

This Creative Strategy Grand Prix winner educated youth about the risks of online shaming and sharing intimate photos. Partnering with Dutch pop star MEAU, Dentsu Creative Amsterdam launched a song and music video inspired by real fan stories. The campaign went viral, achieving over 33 million views and becoming a Top 3 Spotify hit in the Netherlands.

Volkswagen & Livelo’s “Trucker Napp”:

Bronze Lion for creatively addressing driver safety. This campaign combined safety with engagement, using creative methods to address a critical issue in an impactful way.

Renault’s “Cars to Work”:

Double Grand Prix winner for solving social mobility issues by offering cars to job seekers. Amy Lanzi praised it for addressing real human dilemmas while boosting business sales.

Johnnie Walker’s “Errata at 88”:

Entertainment Lions for Music winner, reviving a forgotten female pioneer of Bossa Nova in Brazil, securing her cultural legacy.

You can check all the winners, including the ones highlighted here, on the official page by clicking here.

These campaigns exemplify the power of creative excellence in advertising, showing how bold, authentic narratives and innovative approaches can leave a better and lasting impression.

Future of Advertising and Marketing

Emerging Trends

Cannes Lions 2024 highlighted some trends that need attention:

Generative AI:

AI is not just for tech geeks anymore. It’s making ads super personalized and engaging, creating dynamic content that really clicks with audiences. Imagine ads that know what you want before you do! Sometimes I think they already do it… 

Data-Driven Insights:

With third-party cookies going extinct, first-party data is the new gold rush. It offers better insights and respects privacy, helping brands understand their customers like never before.

Sustainable Branding:

Being green is no longer optional. Brands are committing to eco-friendly practices and transparent reporting. Doconomy’s 2030 Calculator is a prime example of how sustainability can be integrated innovatively into brand strategies. This tool allows brands to be transparent about their carbon footprints, empowering consumers to make informed decisions. 

Immersive Experiences:

AR and VR are taking center stage, making brand experiences more interactive and engaging. Heineken’s “Pub Museums” turned ordinary pubs into immersive museums, wowing audiences with experiential storytelling.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Authentic representation is crucial. Initiatives like Group Black’s push for more diversity in marketing are setting new standards and showing that everyone deserves to see themselves in ads.

Partnerships and Collaborations:

Teaming up is the way forward. Think of Omnicom and Amazon Ads enhancing data connectivity, or TikTok and Instacart creating shoppable videos. These collaborations are driving innovation. Now think about whom you can partner with and make a difference. 

Laughter is the best medicine:

Funny ads are back! Humor is proving to be a powerful tool for driving engagement and building brand loyalty. Everyone loves a good laugh, and brands are capitalizing on that. Be cool!

Weird Works:

Embracing the odd and weird is grabbing attention. Campaigns like Pop-Tarts’ ‘The First Edible Mascot’ show that being different can make you stand out in the crowded ad space. The weird is the new nice!

Cultural Fluidity:

Tapping into cultural moments is key. Heinz’s viral campaign with Taylor Swift is a great example of how aligning with what’s trending can boost your brand’s relevance.

These trends show the infinite possibilities of advertising! A field full of challenges and opportunities for those ready to innovate and adapt. Like Bruce Lee once said: “Be water, my friend”.

Opportunities and Challenges

Challenges are just hidden opportunities. As the advertising world keeps changing, businesses and marketers are met with exciting opportunities and big challenges.

Potential Opportunities for Businesses and Marketers:

Hyper-Personalization:
Using advanced data analytics to create highly personalized customer experiences. Spotify’s “Spreadbeats” campaign is a great example of how personalized audio content can build deeper connections with listeners.

Content Commerce:
Mixing e-commerce with content makes it easier for consumers to buy products as they engage with content. Innovative approaches in this area can drive significant engagement.

Global Reach:
Digital platforms help brands reach a global audience more efficiently, opening new markets and expanding their global footprint. 

Challenges to Be Aware Of in the Evolving Landscape:

Data Privacy Regulations:
Stricter privacy laws mean marketers need new ways to collect and use data responsibly. With third-party cookies disappearing by 2025, adapting to privacy-focused strategies is a must.

Ad Fatigue:
With so many digital ads, it’s hard to keep consumers engaged without overwhelming them. Brands need to innovate to capture attention without being intrusive.

Technology Integration:
Keeping up with rapid tech changes can be tough, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. Companies like Uber and Google show how using cutting-edge tech can lead to innovative marketing strategies.

These opportunities and challenges highlight the dynamic nature of the advertising world, offering a mix of excitement and hurdles for those ready to innovate and adapt.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our chat about Cannes Lions 2024, it’s clear that this festival remains a hotspot for creativity and innovation in advertising. This year, AI stole the show, making ads more personalized and engaging than ever. The shift towards first-party data became even more crucial with privacy regulations tightening up.

Sustainability and social responsibility were big themes, with brands showcasing their commitment to eco-friendly practices and authentic representation. Digital transformation, new tech, and strategic partnerships are reshaping the industry. Comedy made a comeback, and embracing the weird proved effective.

The award-winning campaigns highlighted the power of bold, authentic storytelling and innovative approaches. The future of advertising is dynamic and full of potential. By embracing these insights, you can stay ahead and excel in your marketing efforts.

I hope these insights inspire you to push the boundaries of creativity in your own campaigns.

The post Insights from Cannes Lions 2024: Trends, Innovation and Inspiration appeared first on Rock Content.

If you’re like me, you’re often excited about AI advancements. But how far are you willing to go to contribute to it?

I know the title of this article sounds a bit clickbaity, but I’m sorry, it’s just the reality.

There’s no way to put it nicely: your public posts shared on Meta’s platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, are being used to train Meta’s AI models, and you can’t tell them to stop.

Why? Because you agreed to it when you created your account on these platforms. 

I know, I don’t usually read social media privacy policies either and didn’t know until recently that Meta could do this.

But What Kind Of Data Are They Collecting?

It’s not just me saying this. On Meta’s website, anyone can read:

“As we shared in September, we use publicly available online and licensed information to train AI at Meta, as well as the information that people have shared publicly on Meta’s products and services. This information includes things like public posts or public photos and their captions. In the future, we may also use the information people share when interacting with our generative AI features, like Meta AI, or with a business, to develop and improve our AI products.”

Now you tell me if the title is clickbait or just an unsettling reality. Well, at least they cross their hearts about not reading our private messages. 

But hey, that’s the bare minimum, right?

Meta privacy measures and user control

Meta claims a commitment to privacy and has established a robust internal Privacy Review process. 

This includes evaluating potential privacy risks and implementing measures to mitigate them, they say. 

They operate under five core values: privacy and security, fairness and inclusion, robustness and safety, transparency and control, and governance and accountability.

Do you trust them?

What Can Meta Do With Your Data?

Meta uses the information you share on its platforms to power their generative AI models. 

These models, which include tools like Meta AI and AI Creative Tools, are designed to enhance user experience. Their goal is to solve complex problems, provide real-time answers, and allow for creative expression. 

What does this mean?

The data collected is used to teach AI models to understand relationships between different types of content. 

For instance, text models are trained to predict language patterns and generate conversational responses. Image models learn to create new images based on descriptive text inputs.

Is Everyone Subjected To Meta’s AI training?

Actually, not everyone is subject to having their info repurposed for AI training. 

If you live in the UK, any of the European Union (EU) member states, or the European Economic Area (EEA) you benefit from stricter data protection laws. 

Why? Businesses outside these regions but processing data of UK or EU citizens must comply with the UK’s Data Protection Act (DPA) and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

So, if you live in the UK or EU, initially, you could follow a few steps in the “Settings and Privacy” menu to opt out of Meta’s AI training.

Now, you don’t even need to worry about it. Meta has completely paused their AI model training in Europe, due to the tightening of European data regulations.

Is this a step back for European Innovation?

According to Meta, it is. Meta admitted to being disappointed and defined the situation as “[…] a step backward for European innovation, competition in AI development [that] further delays bringing the benefits of AI to people in Europe.”

The CNIL disagrees! The French data protection authority published its first recommendations on applying the GDPR to AI system development. According to CNIL, it’s all about innovating while respecting people’s rights—what a novel concept, right? 

They’re confident that with the right guidelines, we can have our cake and eat it too. We can enjoy the perks of AI without trampling on privacy.

What If I Don’t Live In The UK Or EU But Don’t Want Meta To Use My Data?

Some people have been posting on Meta’s social media, saying they don’t allow their data to be used for AI training.

Something like: “Hey Meta, I’m not giving you permission to do this. Stop.” And obviously, things don’t work like that.

As I said, we accepted the terms (even if we didn’t read them), and there’s no way to opt-out.

But there’s always “the road less traveled by” (channeling Robert Frost) — you could delete your published content or your entire account and live like the Incas. 

Another option is to set everything to private, since the terms only apply to public information. I like this one better.

However, although you can delete content or make accounts private, it’s challenging to erase your digital footprint, especially when others might share information about you.

A little something you can try

Meta has a form hidden in its privacy center called “Data Subject Rights for Third-Party Information Used for AI at Meta.” You can fill it out to ask Meta to delete any personal info used for their AI.

But, here’s the kicker—Meta doesn’t just automatically do it. They review the requests to see if they’re required by local laws to remove your data.

Some folks, like Alanna Smith, a small business owner in Toronto, have tried this route. She had to prove her data was actually used by Meta’s AI, which is kind of like proving your cat isn’t the real boss of the house—nearly impossible!

Smith never got a confirmation, so she’s left wondering if her request even went through. And when asked, Meta’s spokesperson didn’t give any details about how many people have successfully opted out. 

So, good luck with that!

Is There a True Way Out?

It depends on what you consider a way out. But, hey, have you heard of the Cara app?

The Cara app is a new social networking platform designed specifically for artists to share their work without the fear of it being used to train AI models.

Cara positions itself as a safe haven for creatives. It ensures that images posted on its platform are not scraped for AI training purposes.

Cara achieves this by implementing features like “NoAI” tags on all posts, signaling to AI scrapers not to use the content.

While these tags might not be foolproof against determined data miners, they represent a significant step towards protecting artists’ work.

Should You Be Worried About Your Data?

Alright, let’s get real here. Should you be worried about Meta using your data to train their AI models?

Despite Meta’s core values and privacy measures, it’s totally understandable to have some concerns about your data being scooped up for AI training. 

Sure, Meta offers transparency and control features, but let’s be honest—the sheer amount of data they collect can feel a bit overwhelming.

The real worry boils down to the balance between control and transparency versus the vast amount of data Meta collects and uses. 

On one hand, Meta’s generative AI models promise some seriously cool features and better user experiences. But on the other hand, this comes at the cost of extensive personal data usage.

And for those of us outside the protected regions, opting out of data usage for AI training is usually not an option. 

So, what do you think? Is the trade-off worth it for those nifty AI features, or does the idea of your data being used make you want to rethink your social media habits?

The post Meta Is Using Your Data To Train Their Generative AI Models And You Can’t Opt Out appeared first on Rock Content.

Usually, our focus when creating a digital strategy is on the quality of the content, SEO techniques, and social media management, which makes us forget technical points that matter when it comes to WordPress.

In this article, we will teach you everything you must know to get your email newsletter working and start reaping the best results. In this content, you will learn:

What Is a Newsletter?

A newsletter is an email subscription in which messages are triggered with a certain frequency, such as once a week, once every two days, or whenever a subscriber takes a specific action.

Inside a newsletter, the content can be anything that makes sense to your Digital Marketing strategy. For example:

• Ebooks
• Recently published articles
• Product offerings
• Discount Coupons

(Speaking of newsletters, are you subscribed to ours?)

What Does WordPress Offer for Newsletter Creation?

Transforming curious leads into happy paying customers is about more than just creating great digital marketing content. It’s also about serving up relevant messages at precisely the right time.

WordPress’s Newsletter function helps take the guesswork out of crafting incredible newsletters a target audience never forgets. Here are a few key examples:

• WordPress doesn’t limit users to a certain number of subscribers or sends. You can grow your audience and publish on an unlimited basis. You choose what’s best for you and your readers.
• A sleek, user-friendly editing interface helps you craft dynamic newsletters while minimizing distractions.
• Features like WordPress Reader, built-in RSS support, and easy social sharing help users connect with audiences.
• There’s more than one way to monetize your newsletter. Users can create gated content, set up subscriptions, create an integrated store, and more.
• WordPress makes it easy to migrate existing subscriber lists from one WordPress site to another.
• You own your subscriber list and content on WordPress. It’s yours to take with you or reuse at your discretion.
• A wealth of themed templates makes it easy to create or customize the rich and impactful newsletter of your dreams.

Why Are Newsletters Important In a Digital Marketing Strategy?

To understand how to build newsletters using WordPress and why it’s a good idea to invest in this tool, first, we need to understand the role a blog plays in a Digital Marketing and sales strategy.

The role of a blog is to make quality content available to visitors and to convert them into leads. That is why it’s so important to know how to make your WordPress blog appear among Google results.

After a visitor has reached your content, your focus should be on converting them into a lead to, eventually, make them your customer. That is usually done by using newsletters in an email marketing strategy.

If you think that using a newsletter in your Digital Marketing strategy is an outdated tool, you might be inclined to change your mind. Email marketing is very much alive and still brings plenty of results.

Take a look at a few stats from the Email Marketing Trends 2018 research that show the importance of email newsletters:

• 76,7% of companies adopt email marketing strategies
• 94,3% of companies that do not have those currently have a plan to do so in the future
• 96,1% of companies that use email marketing believe the strategy brings good results
• 58,1% of companies that use email marketing build their audiences using sign-up forms in their blogs

How To Create Newsletters on WordPress? 9 Facilitators

One of the biggest challenges faced when building a Digital Marketing strategy on your own is understanding how to code a WordPress blog, even though you are an entrepreneur and have no coding experience.

However, to know how to create a newsletter on WordPress, you don’t need to have advanced programming skills. You can have good results knowing just the right tools.

Here are 9 excellent plugins and tools to have on your WordPress dashboard that will help you in your work building a newsletter!

1. Rock Stage

Rock Stage is the best WordPress solution for companies and professionals that want to create Digital Marketing strategies for a blog or WordPress website.

In addition to all its excellent features, the tool also has a direct integration between WordPress and MailChimp, which is the best newsletter service.

MailChimp is the most complete newsletter tool out there, allowing you to do A/B tests, segment mailing lists, create landing pages, posts on social media, and sign-up forms to generate leads. It automates the triggering of emails, and lists audiences that are similar to yours.

2. Newsletter WordPress

Newsletter WordPress is an application with paid and free versions, which allows you to create content and send unlimited newsletters to your contact list.

Besides that, it has an interesting function to send emails with notifications of new content from your blog, which works in a slightly more intimate way than an RSS Feed.

3. OptinMonster

OptinMonster does not send emails, but it helps to build your newsletter by creating signup forms for user registration. It uses exit-intent technology that pops up whenever a visitor signals they will close the page.

4. Thrive Leads

Thrive Leads allows you to create contact capture forms for your email marketing list, in addition to having a built-in A/B testing tool. One of its highlights, however, is the SmartLinks tool, which allows you to understand whether a visitor is subscribed to your newsletter or not.

5. Popup Builder

PopupBuilder is another form-building plugin that uses exit-intent technology to capture more emails to your list. However, its highlight is the possibility of using video pop-ups, in addition to having an integrated email sending system.

6. Icegram

Icegram is another complementary plugin for your Email Marketing strategy, allowing you to create registration forms within your page. Because it has a very simple interface, you will not need any programming knowledge to use it.

7. WP Subscribe Pro

WP Subscribe Pro is a form plugin that stands out from the competition for presenting good ranking results when used in conjunction with SEO plugins. This is possible because it was programmed to optimize the speed of the website in question.

8. Mailster

Mailster is yet another comprehensive WordPress plug-in that helps take the guesswork out of producing and distributing amazing newsletters. In particular, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a reliable way to automate your campaigns.

Mailster lets you send newsletters that correlate to specific posts, events, or products. It also gives you over 400 different templates to try, making it easy to tailor newsletters to suit your audience. Segmentation capabilities further help you boost open rates and audience engagement.

Last but not least, you can enjoy detailed real-time insights into your campaigns.

9. Mailchimp for WordPress

If you use Mailchimp to manage your email list and send newsletters via WordPress, this option is practically made for you. Mailchimp for WordPress helps users craft enticing sign-up forms to grow their mailing lists. It also integrates fully with WordPress and any existing forms you may have created.

Users interested in this plug-in can take advantage of invaluable features like quick connection with Mailchimp and fully customizable sign-up forms. It also integrates seamlessly with various existing WordPress plug-ins and can be customized to integrate with others. You can even use it to handle WooCommerce orders for more user-friendly functionality.

[Bonus] How to Write Newsletter Content

Quality is always critical for successful content creation, but it’s especially so for newsletters.

Your newsletter recipients have plenty of emails vying for their attention. It takes creativity, finesse, and attention to detail to ensure yours is must-open content.

Here are a few tips and best practices sure to help you hit all the right notes with your readers.

Know your audience

When creating a successful newsletter in WordPress, it’s impossible to know your audience too well. What matters most to your readers? What topics do they consider must-reads, and how can you align them with your products and services?

Look for creative ways to address key subjects from new angles. Brainstorm new topics that might appeal to your unique audience. Use audience feedback and data analysis to zero in on ideas with the most potential.

Personalize your content offerings

Are you more likely to respond to a generic newsletter or one about a niche topic important to you? Personalization is essential to the high open rates you’re dreaming about for your newsletter.

Avoid sending generic, cookie-cutter messages. Instead, ensure you’re thoroughly segmenting your mailing list. Then, craft tailored content to match each of your audience segments. Consider factors like past behavior, demographics, and past purchases.

Add visuals to your content

Visuals are the secret sauce that truly helps well-crafted written content come alive. They can be especially effective for turning newsletters into must-reads and making them more fun.

Although stock photos are fine, original graphics and branded imagery are even better. Use options like these to help break up long stretches of text and illustrate important points. Video links can also illuminate your content.

Place important information strategically

Most people don’t read marketing content in detail from start to finish. They skim it, at least at first, scanning for content that’s helpful to them. However, they’re most likely to read and notice the beginning and end of a newsletter.

So, for the greatest impact, place the most relevant information at the beginning or end of your newsletter. Use headings and subheadings to make the rest of your content easy to comprehend at a glance.

Weigh in on hot topics

It’s valuable to address evergreen topics that are always important to your audience. But it’s also useful to weigh in on timely subjects and hot topics related to your niche or industry. Keep an eye on what everyone’s discussing, and consider ways to elevate your approach.

Level up with expert-written content

Coming up with incredible newsletter content that turns heads is far from a one-person job. Consider assembling a team of professional voices and topic experts to help level up your content. Expert-written content is informative and high value, lending authority to your brand.

Use a top-tier content network like WriterAccess to eliminate the hassle of finding the right people. WriterAccess is home to thousands of experienced writers and designers, each pre-vetted for quality assurance. Connect with a few in your niche, and watch your content transform.

Check out top-level newsletters

Read and analyze top industry newsletters to get a sense of how great execution looks in action. Our digital marketing newsletter, The Beat, is a good example to take in.

Note how posts in The Beat are well-organized via plenty of headings and subheadings. Visuals, including custom-created options, add value and appeal to the text. At Rock Content, we also make it a point to showcase meaty, expert-written content when it counts.

Create a Newsletter in WordPress FAQ

Can I create a newsletter on WordPress?

Yes, you can create a newsletter on WordPress by using various plugins like MailPoet, Newsletter, or Mailchimp. These tools help you design, send, and manage email newsletters directly from your WordPress dashboard.

How to create an email subscription in WordPress?

To create an email subscription in WordPress, install and activate a plugin such as Mailchimp or MailPoet. Configure the plugin settings, create a subscription form, and add it to your site using widgets or shortcodes to start collecting email addresses.

How do I add a newsletter block in WordPress?

To add a newsletter block in WordPress, you need to use a plugin like MailPoet. Once installed, go to the post or page editor, click the “+” button to add a new block, and select the newsletter block provided by the plugin. Customize the block as needed.

How to create an email plugin in WordPress?

Creating an email plugin in WordPress involves writing custom code using PHP and the WordPress API. You’ll need to develop functionality for sending emails, creating subscription forms, and managing subscribers. Alternatively, you can use existing plugins to achieve these functions without coding.

Can I create an email on my WordPress website?

Yes, you can create and send emails from your WordPress website using plugins like MailPoet or WP Mail SMTP. These plugins allow you to compose emails, manage mailing lists, and send newsletters directly from your WordPress site.

Does WordPress have a subscribe button?

WordPress itself does not have a built-in subscribe button, but you can easily add one using plugins such as Mailchimp or MailPoet. These plugins offer subscription form widgets and shortcodes that you can place on your site to capture email addresses.

A Final Reminder

Now that you know how to create a newsletter on WordPress, you can start using the power of email marketing to make your digital strategy more effective.

But don’t forget: your email content must stand out before you take any other action.

WriterAccess is the ideal platform to help you streamline your content production, combining the efficiency of AI-powered tools with the creativity of human writers.

Enjoy 14 days of free access to our network of expert writers and discover what great content can do for your business.

The post Learn How to Create a Newsletter In WordPress to Engage With Your Audience appeared first on Rock Content.

“Is it the end of Google’s search engine?” “Will SEO still matter?” “Does OpenAI even stand a chance?” These were just a few of the questions making the rounds. 

Well, the big announcement didn’t happen (at least not that specific one), but it doesn’t mean OpenAI’s search advancements are standing still.

An Ex-Googler as OpenAI’s Newest Vice President

OpenAI recently hired Shivakumar Venkataraman as its new Vice President. I know you might be wondering, “Who in the world is this guy, Iasmine?” Well, he’s no stranger to the tech scene—he’s a former bigwig at Google.

At Google, he led various divisions, including search advertising, Google Labs, and even the blockchain division. Venkataraman holds degrees in computer science and has worked at Hewlett-Packard Labs and IBM before Google. 

So, it’s safe to say they didn’t pick him out of a hat. With his expertise, he’s poised to be a real game-changer for OpenAI, especially if they’re gunning for their own version of “Google Search.”

Should Alphabet investors be worried? 

Even if OpenAI launched a new search engine tomorrow, Google is so well-established that it would be a tough challenge to dethrone it. 

Google holds over 90% of the search engine market share, while its next closest competitor—Bing, bless its heart—has only 3.64%.

But Will OpenAI Have Its Own “Google” or That’s a Tall Tale?

Here’s the kicker: creating a new search engine doesn’t seem to be on Sam Altman’s (CEO of OpenAI) to-do list.

In a recent interview, Altman mentioned that imagining OpenAI creating a Google clone “understates what [OpenAI advancements] can be.”

He says he’s more excited about helping people find information in entirely new ways. Altman doesn’t think the world needs another Google, but integrating a chat client like ChatGPT with a search engine? Now that’s “cooler,” he said.

Altman also expressed his dissatisfaction with ad-supported models like Facebook and Google, where advertisers can influence search results. He said that with ChatGPT, he knows he’s not the product being sold. 

But aren’t we training the machine every time we use it? Doesn’t that make us a kind of product, too? Just food for thought. 

What’s clear is that OpenAI doesn’t plan to monetize user data through targeted ads, which Altman believes is financially sustainable. Do you?

So, What Are OpenAI’s “Cooler” Plans? 

Real-time data 

Recent deals with publishers like Dotdash Meredith, Le Monde, and Prisa Media indicate a focus on providing ChatGPT users with access to real-time news content and links to original sources. 

Integrating real-time data into ChatGPT is pretty cool, indeed. But it won’t look like the blue links that Google makes available on the SERP; it will be more like a well-grounded conversation.

ChatGPT is now “omini”

OpenAI just introduced ChatGPT-4o (the “o” stands for “omni”), promising faster responses, voice conversations, and the ability to upload images and documents for summarizing, organizing, or asking questions about them. 

These are promises they have been talking about for a while. ChatGPT-4o is available on desktop MacOS and features a more user-friendly interface. 

Another “cool” feature they’ve rolled out is called “memory,” but it’s only available to some users at the moment as they’re testing it out. 

Essentially, it lets you ask ChatGPT to remember certain details, and then it uses that information to tailor responses in the future. Here’s an example they shared on their page:

“You mention that you have a toddler and that she loves jellyfish. When you ask ChatGPT to help create her birthday card, it suggests a jellyfish wearing a party hat.”

I don’t know about you, but it’s a little unsettling to me. It feels like I’m sharing a bit too much with a stranger.

Free users of GPT-4o will have a message limit that resets after a few hours, but at least there’s a free option, following Google’s Gemini steps.

And speaking of limits, the message you get when you hit it isn’t exactly pushing me to upgrade to the Plus version. It’s like, “You’ve reached your GPT-4o limit. Responses will use GPT-3.5 until your limit resets after 4:09 PM.” Well, for now, that’s fine by me, unless they seriously amp up the perks for Omni to make it irresistible.

What Else Is To Come?

In the future, they plan to make it possible to talk to ChatGPT through real-time video conversations and even predict users’ emotions based on what the platform hears and sees. 

As I mentioned in my previous article on ChatGPT, I can’t help but remember the relationship between Theodore and Samantha in the movie “Her.” At this point, it doesn’t even seem that weird—I can totally see some people I know falling in love with ChatGPT. Just kidding. I guess. 

Well, apparently, I’m not the only one who thought about the movie, as the very Sam Altman makes a clear reference to it: “The number of things that I think ‘Her’ got right, that [was] not obvious at the time […] that was incredibly prophetic,” he once said.

Is It The End of Search Engines?

Take a chill pill! The end of search engines isn’t likely to happen anytime soon (or ever). 

Sure, Artificial Intelligence is amazing, but let’s be real—there’s still a high demand for good old human-generated content, or at least a hybrid of AI and human input. 

Think about it: When you’re searching for something, you often need the nuanced, creative, and sometimes quirky touch that only humans can provide. AI can give you facts, but it can’t always give you that personal touch or deep insight.

Plus, users are showing they’re not ready to jump ship from traditional search engines just yet. A perfect example is people opting out of the generative AI features in Google. 

Despite all the hype around AI, many users still prefer the reliability and familiarity of standard search results. They trust the balance of human editorial judgment and algorithmic efficiency that traditional search engines offer. 

So, while AI is a powerful tool and a great supplement, it’s not going to replace search engines. Instead, it’ll more likely work alongside them, enhancing our search experience without taking over completely.

What About OpenAI’s Approach to Safety Issues?

Well, that doesn’t seem to be going too well. Jan Leike, a safety researcher who co-led the Superalignment team, resigned after having expressed concerns about OpenAI’s approach to AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). 

His co-leader, Ilya Sutskever, had already left hours earlier but sounded a bit more optimistic, saying, “The company’s trajectory has been nothing short of miraculous, and I’m confident that OpenAI will build AGI that is both safe and beneficial.” 

The Superalignment team’s page mentions AI dangers, including human extinction, if AI is not supervised and controlled. Are we in a sci-fi movie or what? The fact is, this group seems important, and it’s falling apart.

Leike also tweeted about the AI danger, saying, “Building smarter-than-human machines is an inherently dangerous endeavor. OpenAI is shouldering an enormous responsibility on behalf of all of humanity.” 

He expressed dissatisfaction regarding OpenAI’s stance on his research, stating, “Over the past few months, my team has been sailing against the wind.” He didn’t go into details but seemed to imply that his team had been left adrift in a sea full of terrifying creatures.

Sam Altman acknowledged Leike’s tweet and agreed, “[…] he’s right, we have a lot more to do […].” That’s definitely something we should keep an eye on.

So, To Sum Things Up: What Marketers (And Any Other Digital-World Professional) Need To Know

First off, don’t panic about a new search engine dethroning Google anytime soon. Google’s dominance in the search market is solid, with over 90% market share. 

However, keep an eye on OpenAI’s moves, especially with the hiring of Google veteran Shivakumar Venkataraman. 

While the fusion of AI and search is indeed thrilling—take the integration of real-time data, for instance—it doesn’t spell the end for traditional search engines. 

There’s still a hefty demand for good human-generated content, and let’s face it, AI alone can’t cater to every user’s whim.

About ChatGPT-4o, this new version is a game-changer. It promises faster responses, voice interactions, and the ability to handle images and documents. This is huge for tasks like data analysis and information compilation. Looking to the future, OpenAI has some ambitious plans.

But what about the elephant in the room—safety issues? It’s clear there are internal disagreements about the approach to AI safety. Sam Altman himself admits there’s plenty more ground to cover in this area, so it’s certainly a topic deserving of our attention.

Here’s a parting nugget of wisdom: Always approach rumors with a healthy dose of skepticism and double-check your facts before spreading the word. 

While OpenAI might have a trick or two up its sleeve, for now, let’s stick to what we do best: Optimize for Google and embrace the new AI tools that come our way. And let’s not forget to keep a keen eye on the broader ethical implications of these technologies.

The post Will OpenAI Have Its Own “Google”? What Marketers Need to Know About OpenAI’s New Advancements in Search appeared first on Rock Content.

If your business has tried an eCommerce website and failed, the problem might not be your brand or products. It might be the tools you used to build and maintain the virtual store. Today’s consumers are looking for more than just some nice product pictures and a blurb about the company.

They want to buy from websites that are easy to use and navigate. They look for key features such as search engines, chat customer service, options, and state-of-the-art security. According to Tech Jury, mobile buyers make up 67.2% of all online purchases, so they want responsiveness, too.

Setting up and managing a successful eCommerce website is a big hill to climb, but it is necessary. Brands must meet customers where they spend their time, and that is online. Ecommerce websites generated 856.8 billion dollars in revenue in 2022.

This article will discuss eCommerce platforms, their use, and why you need one.

A practical place to start is with a basic definition.

What Is An eCommerce platform?

An eCommerce platform is a system designed to make it easier for businesses to sell products to customers online. Unlike a traditional website, eCommerce platforms offer features like product listings, digital shopping carts, discount options, and more to create a comprehensive and engaging shopping experience. Put simply:

According to Tobias Lütke, co-founder and CEO of Shopify, “e-commerce is not an industry; e-commerce is a tactic.” So, the best eCommerce platforms allow owners to incorporate both marketing and sales to boost revenues and strengthen their bottom line.

What Does An eCommerce Platform Do?

It is responsible for coordinating the consumer’s relationship with the online seller.

If that all sounds vague, it’s because different eCommerce platforms offer additional features. At the basic level, this software will:

• Allow site users to search for products
• Provide a digital shopping cart
• Handle the payment process

Many platforms do much more than that, though. They might offer data analytics, for example. When shopping for an eCommerce platform, you need to find one that fits the company’s budget.

At the same time, it must offer the features necessary to allow your customers to order products and services seamlessly.

The Role of eCommerce Platforms in Your Business

Whether you’re running an online-only business or managing a brick-and-mortar operation, eCommerce platforms can enhance your company and make it easier to generate leads and sales.

One of the main advantages of using an eCommerce platform is that it incorporates everything necessary to sell products. Typically, these platforms allow you to:

• Manage and Update Product Inventory – Rather than having to count individual items manually, the platform will update inventory counts automatically with each sale. You can also update the system as you add more inventory or unique items.
• Handle Payments – One of the main advantages of using an eCommerce platform is that you can sell to anyone around the world. These platforms also enable you to use multiple payment options like PayPal, Stripe, credit cards, and more. Since these platforms are encrypted, you don’t have to worry as much about hackers.
• Order Fulfillment – Some eCommerce platforms enable you to take advantage of dropshipping, so you don’t have to manage inventory yourself. However, even if you make and ship each product, these platforms streamline the process by giving you everything from shipping labels to order tracking.
• Content Marketing – The best eCommerce platforms integrate with your marketing strategy for a seamless user experience. For example, a user clicks on a social media ad and lands on a product listing page. From there, they can order and pay for the product immediately, hassle-free.

Overall, eCommerce platforms enable you to scale your business online with minimal friction. Without these platforms, you would have to manage multiple third-party apps and programs to get the same results.

Key Features to Look for in an eCommerce Platform

Choosing the right eCommerce platform can be a challenge. Finding a platform that fits your business needs will allow you to:

• Control costs – This includes the set-up fees and any maintenance costs.
• Allow growth – Once the websites are up and running, the next step is to allow them to grow. Some platforms make that difficult or expensive.
• Enhance customer engagement – Many brands make this a primary focus because engagement can bring a customer back repeatedly.
• Prioritize customer service – Providing customer support means better conversions and enhanced loyalty.

What are some key features to look for on an eCommerce platform?

Hosting and platform type

There are two types of platforms: self-hosted and cloud-based. With a self-hosted or on-premise platform, you do much of the legwork. For example, you would need to find a host for the website, manage the installation, and do the administration.

That will give you more control but requires more time and technical knowledge. One person would be responsible for things like source coding and software updates.

A cloud-hosted platform means you work via the cloud. Cloud-based platforms can be further broken down as SaaS or PaaS. A SaaS platform such as Shopify is all-inclusive.

You simply pay for a website, provide the content, and choose a look for the site. You have access to additional apps, themes, and data analytics.

A PaaS cloud-based platform adds a hardware element. It falls between shared hosting and SaaS. The platform manages the operating system and software. You provide content, some code, and databases. A PaaS platform separates the business from the server administration.

The significant difference between the two is the coding. With SaaS, you don’t provide custom source code. It is more of a WYSIWYG option. PaaS gives you more control over the coding aspect.

Pricing

Pricing is an obvious consideration. You can expect most platforms to have a monthly fee. The exception to this might be open-source.

The cost varies from platform to platform and may differ based on the features you choose and how much bandwidth and storage you require.

Integrations

Businesses must think ahead when choosing a platform. What systems might you want to integrate with the eCommerce platform initially and in the future? Some options would include:

• Accounting
• Email marketing
• Shipping
• Payment
• Marketing
• Customer loyalty programs

Not all platforms allow for integrations.

Extensibility

A typical eCommerce platform provides the basis necessary to launch a website. They often come with ready-made integrations. You might need a more advanced PaaS platform if you want more than that.

Scalability

The other side of that coin is scalability. You want to be able to grow your website or scale it down during slower seasons.

Administration

How easy is it to add or delete products or establish inventory counts? What about changing prices? How do you upload images? You need to know how much effort it takes to make changes to your website.

Websites and eCommerce Platforms: What Sets Them Apart?

Ecommerce platforms and websites are terms sometimes used interchangeably, but they are quite different.

About an eCommerce platform

An eCommerce platform is a software-based platform that lets businesses sell products and services online. There are three main styles:

• Open-source – gives you complete access to the source codes and more control over how shopping is done through the site. Some examples of open-source platforms include Square Online, WooCommerce, and Joomla.
• SaaS is a cloud–based platform that is an all-in-one service. The platform handles everything; the business chooses a theme and provides the information. Examples of SaaS platforms include Shopify Plus and Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
• Headless – A headless platform separates the back end from the front end of customer-facing operations. You create the website using programs like WordPress or Drupal. The eCommerce platform provides cart and payment services. Examples of headless platforms include Spryker and BigCommerce.

That is different from an eCommerce website.

About an eCommerce website

An eCommerce website is any site with eCommerce features. In other words, any website where you can purchase something off it.

Many brands allow you to create an eCommerce website without the versatility of an eCommerce platform. They may offer a plug-in that serves as a payment gateway to allow for purchasing.

Having a basic website lacks the capabilities of an eCommerce platform, though. It won’t be scalable, for instance, or customizable. It will likely have very few features to choose from. The theme will be set in stone with no room for changes.

A simple website may be enough for small businesses with little online sales. For many companies, though, it will be too limiting.

Choosing the Right eCommerce Platform: Step by Step

With so many platforms available, it can be hard to determine which one is best for your business. Here are some critical points to consider before making a final decision.

Step One: Determine Your Product Lineup

Do you sell consumer packaged goods or clothing? Toys or accessories? Some platforms work well for certain industries, while others don’t. Ideally, you can pick a platform tailor-made for the types of products you’re selling. For example, if you sell items that can often be bundled with other products, you want a platform that makes bundling and accessorizing easier.

Another point to consider is whether you’ll work with drop shippers or handle inventory yourself. Drop-shipping can be useful, but you must work with high-quality vendors. Otherwise, customers may have to wait a long time for their orders, leading to lower satisfaction rates and reduced sales.

Step Two: Custom Building vs. Done-For-You (DFY)

If you have the time, you may want to build your eCommerce site from scratch, handling everything from product descriptions to page layouts. Alternatively, you can work with a platform that does everything for you. In the latter case, you just populate your pages with specific products, and the platform handles the rest.

If you’re a smaller operation, you may want to use a DFY platform and customize your pages over time. This way, you can get your site up and running sooner but still curate a unique value proposition as you go.

Step Three: Verify Security Practices

Since you’ll be handling online payments, you want a platform with excellent cybersecurity tools. Ideally, you won’t collect any customer data directly, so there’s no chance of its being hacked. Or, you can work with third-party payment providers like PayPal to add another layer of protection for yourself and your customers.

Step Four: Consider Scalability

When scaling your eCommerce platform, you must consider site traffic and product listings. Will you expand into new product lines in the future? If so, how easy is it to add more pages to your site? Similarly, if you’re increasing web traffic to your product listings, can the platform handle it? You don’t want your website to go down because too many people are shopping at once.

Step Five: Check Customer Support

Realistically, you’ll encounter problems or questions as you build your website. So, only work with an eCommerce platform that can help you with any issue, large or small. Ideally, the platform will have multiple customer support options, including email, live chat, and phone support. This way, you can resolve these issues immediately instead of waiting days for a response.

Top eCommerce Platforms in 2024: What Makes Them Stand Out?

For small and medium-sized businesses, the best eCommerce site is likely Shopify. Shopify is scalable and provides features that come in handy, although you might have to pay more for them.

Get to know more details about this platform and other 7 big players.

For instance, Shopify Fulfillment offers faster and more affordable shipping but comes at an added cost. Shopify has a number of these ala carte features. That allows businesses to pick and choose what they need instead of paying for something they won’t use.

1. Shopify

Unsurprisingly, the top tool on our list is Shopify.

This platform is a real one-stop-shop — excuse the pun! — for all things eCommerce. 

Whether you are an eCommerce novice or know your way around eCommerce, Shopify is for you.

Super-easy to set up and configure, it allows you to both start a new eCommerce site from scratch as well as manage and maintain a well-established one.

Through Shopify, you can sell products from anywhere, including social media accounts, in-person sales, and third-party marketplaces.

How Much?

To begin with, you can try out Shopify for free for 14 days. 

Then, if you are happy, you can choose one of its four plans: Basic Shopify ($14 per month), Shopify ($39 per month), Advanced Shopify ($299 per month), and Plus ($2,300).

What We Like Best

In this day and age, a huge — and ever-growing — amount of online sales are happening on mobile devices. 

And guess what? Every Shopify theme is mobile-friendly. Not only that, but the platform also features tools like BuildFire which allow you to actually build separate Shopify mobile apps. 

Pretty awesome, right?

2. Wix

You have probably heard of Wix as one of the most popular website builders. 

And while this is, of course, true, this platform is also one of the best eCommerce tools out there.

With over 500 templates to choose from and no coding knowledge or experience required, you can build an amazing eCommerce site in literally a few clicks. 

Wix makes it a cinch to create your own customizable digital storefront and shopping cart, as well as to add features including product galleries, mini-carts, and wishlists.

How Much?

A basic plan with Wix will cost you $17 a month, but you need to make sure that the specific subscription that you chose actually supports online sales. 

If you want an intermediate eCommerce plan with Wix, then you are looking at prices that range from $29 to $36 per month. 

A more advanced Wix plan is $159 per month.

What We Like Best

Wix is a really great choice for those who are just starting out in eCommerce, not only thanks to its ease of use and super-intuitive navigation but also because it supports dropshipping. 

This means that it can allow you to browse through a huge catalog of products for sale, at no added cost.

3. Squarespace

Just like Wix, Squarespace is another very popular, very easy website builder. 

But unlike Wix, every single one of its available business plans does come with in-built eCommerce capabilities.

The platform allows you to browse through an ever-expanding array of stunning templates that are particularly suited to businesses in creative industries. 

But besides allowing you to showcase your amazing creative work, Squarespace also lets you sell it online.

How Much?

The Squarespace Personal plan costs $16 per month but doesn’t include any online selling capabilities. 

At just a few more bucks — $23 per month, to be more precise — you’ll be able to have a fully integrated eCommerce site and sell as many products as you like, though still with some limitations.

If you are serious about selling on Squarespace, then your best bet is to pick either the Basic Commerce ($28 per month) or the Advanced Commerce ($52 per month) plan.

What We Like Best

Squarespace is truly one of the best eCommerce site builders in terms of aesthetics. 

If you are aiming to display your products in a way that is eye-catching, professional, and enticing, then Squarespace is the way to go. 

Plus, the platform is also integrated with other online selling tools, including PayPal, USPS, FedEx, Apple Pay, and Stripe.

4. WooCommerce

Here’s something a bit different from what we have seen so far: WooCommerce is not an actual eCommerce solution, it’s a plugin that you can add to your WordPress website. 

Essentially, with WooCommerce you can add eCommerce capabilities to any WordPress site.

How Much?

More good news: this plugin is totally free to install. 

However, you can also add some more extensions — some are free, while others have prices that go up to $5,000.

What We Like Best

The customization that this tool offers is truly fantastic. 

Plus, WooCommerce also integrates with other online selling platforms like PayPal, Stripe, and Amazon Pay, making payments a real walk in the park.

5. BigCommerce

Another great eCommerce solution used by companies of all shapes and sizes in over 120 countries around the world, BigCommerce has pretty much everything you need to sell products online.

Established back in 2009, BigCommerce features unmatched eCommerce performance, including page loading speed, security, and uptime.

How Much?

BigCommerce offers four plans: Standard ($29 per month), Plus ($79 per month), Pro ($299 per month), and Enterprise (custom quotes for each user).

What We Like Best

BigCommerce is one of the few eCommerce tools that can support both individual online sales and B2B wholesales, thanks to its enterprise-ready eCommerce capabilities. 

The platform also features amazing tools for SEO, conversions, inventory management, and 24/7 customer support.

6. Shift4Shop

If you thought that BigCommerce was one of the oldest eCommerce platforms out there, then think again: Shift4Shop beats it, as it was established in 1997.

While not suitable for beginner eCommerce marketers, Shift4Shop works well for more advanced eCommerce users. 

This is because, unlike other solutions on our list, Shift4Shop is not as intuitive to use as other options in the market, but requires some coding and development knowledge.

How Much?

This platform offers five different payment plans. The cheapest costs only $29 per month, while the most expensive goes up to $229 per month for Standard plans (Enterprise can cost $2,000+). 

Every plan offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with your purchase. 

Want to test the solution for free? 3DCart lets you play around with it for 15 days, at no cost.

What We Like Best

If you are comfortable with coding and development, then this is a great tool for you. 

Once you have installed it, you’ll have access to over 200 eCommerce features, 50 free themes, and more than 100 payment providers. 

You can also integrate 3DCart with third-party platforms such as Stripe, PayPal, Amazon, MailChimp, QuickBooks, and more.

7. OpenCart

This free, open-source tool brings eCommerce capabilities to already existing websites. 

What this means, essentially, is that with the OpenCart plugin you can transform your standard site into an online store.

How Much?

OpenCart is free both to download and install, but if you require any extensions or more customized support, you will have to pay extra.

What We Like Best

We love OpenCart for its absolutely massive selection of themes and modules — 13,000, and counting — and the fact that you can integrate it with an equally huge list of payment and shipping providers.

8. BigCartel

While eCommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce are great for physical products, what about artwork and graphic design? Big Cartel is perfect for artists or designers who want to sell their work without a complicated dashboard or backend system. This platform allows you to showcase fewer listings and focuses on highlighting your designs in real-world settings.

How Much?

Big Cartel has three pricing options:

• Gold – Free
• Platinum – $15/mo
• Diamond – $30/mo

You can start with a Gold plan and scale up as you add more listings and generate more leads. One of the primary advantages of upgrading is that you can get a custom domain name for your website (if necessary).

What We Like Best

Selling artwork or creative designs online can be challenging, especially if you use sites like Gumroad or RedBubble. Big Cartel gives you more creative control, so you can make your mark as an independent creator.

9. Adobe Commerce

Adobe is probably the largest creative design software company in the world, so if you use Adobe Commerce, you can tap into high-quality tools and materials that won’t be available anywhere else.

However, because it’s Adobe, you can also expect to pay more for the platform. We only recommend this option if you’re an established business with a decent marketing or operations budget. If you’re still new to the world of eCommerce, you may want to start with a more affordable platform and migrate to Adobe later.

How Much?

Adobe doesn’t list its pricing plans online, which often means they’re pretty expensive. Instead, you have to reach out to Adobe’s sales team to discuss options. There are two tiers: Commerce Pro and Managed Services. The latter is designed for enterprise-level businesses, so smaller companies need not apply.

What We Like Best

If you want the ultimate creative suite for building a unique eCommerce store, Adobe has everything you need. Building a website has never been easier, and Adobe’s generative AI software enables you to incorporate more elements than ever.

10. Sellfy

Digital products and print-on-demand are becoming far more popular. Traditional eCommerce platforms aren’t really suited to these product types, so you have to search elsewhere. Sellfy is fantastic because it caters to both POD and digital products, so you don’t have to use separate tools for each product type.

How Much?

Sellfy is a bit pricey if you pay monthly, but you can also take advantage of a free two-week trial to make sure it’ll work for your business. The pricing options are:

• Starter – $29/mo
• Business – $79/mo
• Premium – $159/mo

What We Like Best

Sellfy is very user-friendly, so even new entrepreneurs can get their eCommerce site up and running immediately. Also, because it’s designed for print-on-demand and digital products, it has tools to help you maximize your sales for these types of products.

11. Ecwid

Ecwid is the perfect solution for you when you already have a site without eCommerce capabilities and want to add them. Ecwid allows you to build an eCommerce platform on your existing website, so you don’t have to migrate everything to a different hosting service. Overall, this option is ideal for blogs or smaller, established companies that are just getting into the eCommerce space.

How Much?

You can start using Ecwid for free to see how well it integrates with your current website. From there, you can choose from three paid plans, including:

• Venture – $25/mo
• Business – $45/mo
• Unlimited – $105/mo

What We Like Best

It’s so easy to launch an eCommerce business from scratch with this platform. While it doesn’t have as many advanced tools and features, it’s perfect for smaller companies looking to branch out into new revenue streams.

A Final Advice

In the dynamic realm of e-commerce platforms, where every click counts, content creation emerges as the linchpin for success.

Engaging, informative content not only attracts customers but also fosters brand loyalty and drives conversions. As you embark on your journey into the digital marketplace, remember that quality content is the cornerstone of your online presence.

Elevate your e-commerce strategy with WriterAccess, where expert writers await to transform your ideas into captivating content.

Sign up for a free two-week trial today and witness firsthand the power of compelling storytelling in shaping your e-commerce success story.

The post Ecommerce Platforms: 11 Top Options To Explore And Elevate Your Online Business in 2024 appeared first on Rock Content.

Some chatbots, like ChatGPT, are text-based and operate on platforms, while others may use voice interfaces or be integrated into specific messaging apps.

For businesses, these are automated tools that can answer questions and even carry out full conversations with customers, and no human is needed on the business end.

Well, they’re important, and you need to learn about what makes the top AI chatbots and how they can work for your business. Without this knowledge, you might fall behind in critical ways.

What Are AI Chatbots?

The Role of AI Chatbots in Modern Business

Importance of AI chatbots in customer engagement

Chatbots offer immediate responses. That’s the long and short of it all, and customers hate wasting time. According to research by Tidio, 62% of customers across all industries prefer an immediate response from a chatbot to waiting to talk to a human.

Roughly two-thirds of your customers want a good chatbot, and that number is likely to grow.

Significance of streamlining communication processes

That same research by Tidio shows that customers hate waiting more than anything else. More than 50% of surveyed customers leave a site before getting to talk to a human representative. Faster communication keeps them engaged and happy.

For reference, customers hate waiting even more than rude agents.

Key AI Chatbot Features and Capabilities

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP is what makes a chatbot sound human. Older chatbots used an idea known as “canned responses.” You could select preloaded questions and get coded answers. There was no adaptability.

NLP allows you to say anything to the bot and still get a coherent response. It is arguably the most important feature for customer satisfaction.

Integration with CRM systems

Advanced bots work seamlessly with your existing resources. The bots can pull from information in your CRM to better respond to queries. The bots also lend their abilities to any work you might perform through CRM. Writing emails, creating advertisements, organizing information, and plenty more can all interact with your bot.

Multichannel support

Chatbots can operate through multiple communication channels. A common case is to put them on a webpage with their own dedicated channel, but they can participate in email support, forums, social media, and even phones.

Overview of Leading AI Chatbots

Introduction to top AI chatbot solutions

With so many chatbots circulating, you can find extreme specialties among them. For the sake of brevity, we can reduce the vastness of your choices and focus on the handful of truly exceptional chatbots in the business.

When you look for a chatbot, the benchmark of comparison is ChatGPT. It revolutionized this market and made everyone think again about AI.

The best AI chatbots of 2024 that sit alongside GPT are Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini.

Market share and adoption rates

According to Markets and Markets, the AI chatbot industry is already worth more than $5 billion and growing fast. Roughly 84% of company websites already use AI chatbots, and experts expect the bots to dominate customer support in just a few years.

Best AI Chatbots: Comparative Analysis

Comparing metrics

The metrics that separate the best artificial intelligence chat tools are token limits and neural nodes. Token limits determine how many characters a bot can handle at once. More tokens mean the bot can process more words at a time and give longer responses.

Claude 3 dominates in this category with more than five times the token limit of the next best bot.

Neural nodes represent the sophistication of an AI. While more nodes do not necessarily lead to a better AI, the general trend is that you want more nodes.

Unfortunately, some developers haven’t released this information. Among AIs with known node counts, ChatGPT 4 is the current leader.

User interface and experience

The user experience cannot be expressed in numbers and hard metrics. Using AI provides the best analysis and allows you to see for yourself how they work.

You can also take a shortcut and read reviews. According to reviews, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot lead the race for user interface and experience.

Scalability and customization options

For scalability, the big names in the industry offer a lot. Companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft already have such vast resources that they can easily expand the scale of their bots and keep up with your growth.

Customization does not necessarily follow the same trend. The more open an AI’s development, the easier it is to customize. For this, OpenAI is the de facto leader, and that’s why ChatGPT is adopted into more custom apps than the other leading AIs.

Currently, you can’t directly integrate ChatGPT into messaging apps. However, developers can build applications that leverage the ChatGPT API to integrate conversational AI capabilities into various platforms, including messaging apps. This allows users to interact with AI-powered chatbots within their favorite messaging applications.

User Reviews and Feedback on AI Chatbots

Incorporating user feedback

Chatbots exist for the customer experience. Fortunately, they are adaptable, and you can adjust how you utilize them according to customer feedback. Leaders in the space are already benefiting from this.

Real-world use case

You can find uncountable numbers of use cases and success stories involving AI chatbots. Let’s focus on one.

Domino’s (yes, the pizza brand) utilized a chatbot to automate orders. You can now order a pizza using a chatbot, making the process faster and easier.

More importantly, the bot integrates with social media so that you can order a pizza from Facebook Messenger and other platforms.

Best AI Chatbots Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes an AI chatbot effective?

An AI chatbot is effective when it can handle any input and produce a useful and accurate response, rather than just spitting out pre-programmed responses to pre-programmed questions.

How do AI chatbots improve customer engagement?

AI chatbots give customers fast responses. They don’t have to wait in line to talk to someone, and they don’t have to waste time scouring a website for answers. They get reliable, personalized answers right away.

What factors should I consider when choosing an AI chatbot?

Naturally, cost comes to mind. Beyond that, think about the complexity of the bot, how many characters it can take as input, how many it can output (often called tokens), what it can generate beyond text, and how it integrates with other systems. Chatbot security also merits comparison.

Which is the most advanced AI chatbot?

The current leaders in the industry include Claude 3, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini.

Which AI is better than ChatGPT?

Claude 3 is better at writing content. Copilot and Gemini integrate seamlessly with Microsoft and Google systems.

Is paying for ChatGPT 4 worth it?

ChatGPT 4 is considerably more capable than GPT3. That said, alternative AIs compete well with GPT 4, and it is probably not the very best chatbot for any specific use, although it is still one of the best.

Conclusion

Chatbots represent the future of customer service and customer interactions with businesses. They are growing rapidly in sophistication and capability, and they already streamline communication.

With many specialized AIs already, you can find something that tailors to your business style.

And speaking about AI, what about using an AI-powered tool to craft content for your audience?

WriterAccess uses the best of human creators and powerful AI tools to boost engagement and perfect communication. Start your 14-day free trial today.

The post Best AI Chatbots: Revolutionizing Customer Interaction and Business Communication appeared first on Rock Content.

Keeping an eye on how others use videos and tracking video content through reverse video search forms an important component of an effective video marketing strategy.

Let’s explore what you can do with a reverse video search and how to use this technique as part of your marketing plan.

What is Reverse Video Search and How Does It Work?

A reverse video search uses a single frame from a video to find that video elsewhere on the web. When you enter a particular shot from a video into a reverse video search tool, the algorithm analyzes components of the image, such as the pixels. It then looks for content that matches these criteria.

This method can help you track down the original source of a video, but it doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. If someone has changed something about the video, it is harder for the algorithm to match the snapshot with the original video.

Why Do a Reverse Video Search?

A video search can provide you with a wealth of information, but you may wonder why you need this data in the first place. Let’s look at some of the most common benefits of running a reverse video search.

Reverse video search matters in marketing

Monitoring brand mentions and user-generated content will keep you abreast of what your audience says about your brand. Keeping your customers happy is the key to success, and knowing what they have to say will help you achieve this goal.

Track videos that mention your brand name and videos created by end-users in your industry. Trace them to their original creators so you can address brand mentions and listen to the voices of your customers. This will help you get in front of potential negative feedback and improve customer service.

Find video source for copyright protection and content ownership

People view and share videos across numerous platforms. They watch videos on one channel, take clips, and repost them in new places.

However, you need to make sure you correctly attribute any videos you use or share with your audience. If you want to share a helpful recording you found online, tracking down the original creator will save you from any embarrassment or even penalties for misattributing a video.

Similarly, you can also monitor your own videos. Performing occasional reverse video searches may help you detect any misuse of your content. Someone who uses your videos maliciously could harm your brand’s reputation. Tracking down these instances and working to remove your videos from sites that misuse them can help protect your brand.

Competitive analysis and strategy development

Sometimes, the best way to get inspiration for your videos is to look at what others have done to promote similar businesses.

When you uncover a video that you think would appeal to your target audience, you want to know who created it so that you can get ideas about creating future videos. Performing a reverse video search will make it easy to track down the content creator and look at their other recordings.

Once you land on the competitor’s website, you can see more of their videos, benchmark your own content creation against theirs, and get ideas for future content. You can also watch how your videos perform compared to theirs and build a video content strategy that outpaces competitors.

How to Conduct a Reverse Video Search? Best Tools and Platforms

When you’re ready to search video by image online, you will find a few different tools available to help you. Let’s take a closer look at how to use some of the most popular options.

Google Images

1. Take a screenshot from your video.
2. Go to the “search by image” option.
3. Upload your screenshot and click “find image source.”

TinEye

TinEye offers an extensive image library to search with your video snapshot.

You can search this library in two different ways:

1. Uploading a snapshot from your video.
2. You can paste in a URL from the video.

Next, click the search button to get results from their library.

Bing Visual Search

1. Take a screenshot of your video.
2. Upload the image or drag and drop it into the search bar.

With all of these search options, you’ll want to keep a few important points in mind:

1. Take clear screenshots. By making sure your frames are clear, you give the algorithm the best possible chance to find matches.
2. Consider trying a few different frames. You might want to try this if your first attempt doesn’t yield the right results. Remember that a few slight adjustments to the video can make it harder for search engines to find a match.
3. When you create screenshots, view the video at its largest possible size. Taking screenshots while the video is in thumbnail form can make it harder to match details.

Applications of Reverse Video Search in Marketing

Reverse video searches have a variety of applications that help you create a more mature and complete content strategy. Here are some key ways you can employ them.

Brand monitoring and reputation management

With reverse video searches, you can regularly check for brand mentions and track your online reputation. As Jeff Bezos says, “Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.” By tracking video content, you get to be in that proverbial room and do something about it.

If you find someone negatively mentioning your brand, you can track the video to the original creator and try to rectify the situation.

Publicly looking for ways to make amends or address misconceptions can help you win back customers, show your consumer base that you care about their experiences, and learn more about what customers expect when interacting with you.

As you monitor brand mentions, you will also have opportunities to amplify positive content. If someone raves about your products in a video, promoting that video can broaden your network and nurture relationships with those who love your brand.

Content creation and optimization

Using reverse video search also makes it easy to track down valuable videos for your brand. When you find a video you love, chances are that the creator has made other videos that offer value to you. Performing reverse video searches will bring you directly to their site.

Once you find a creator of quality content, you can use their videos for inspiration. If they produce content that your audience would value, without directly competing with your brand, you might also share their content yourself.

As you view their videos, you might learn about creating engaging content, the types of videos people like to watch, and the key topics that people create videos to cover. All of these strategies can help you amplify your brand.

Reverse Video Search Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I reverse-search a video?

Yes, you can reverse-search a video using a single frame from the recording. Various search algorithms exist for this purpose. You can use Google Images, Bing Visual Search, or Yandex Image Search.

These tools can quickly uncover other videos that have similar properties to your video, helping you find the original recording. Once you have the original content, you can find inspiration for your videos, share and properly attribute videos, and improve your brand management strategies.

How to video search on Google?

To perform a video search on Google, you need to take a screenshot of the video you want to find. You will then upload this image to Google Image Search.

Next, the algorithm will search for recordings that contain your screenshot. These video sources can then inform your video creation strategy.

How do I find a video by image?

To find a video by image, you will first need to take a screenshot from the video you want to find. This image should capture the unique properties of the video so that the search algorithm can match those properties with similar images it finds online. You will then upload it to the visual search engine of your choice.

Why do a reverse video search?

Marketers should run reverse image searches because they help you find the source of different videos you come across online. Knowing the video source can help you fully understand the context of videos, properly attribute them when sharing, or find inspiration for your video marketing strategy.

Conclusion

Performing reverse video searches to locate video sources as part of your marketing strategy will give you excellent opportunities to magnify your brand.

Using reverse video search tools will not only help you with your brand management efforts, but it can also inspire the content development process and help you capture all that video content creation can offer.

To explore the above-mentioned tools and develop a sophisticated content creation process, consider using WriterAccess to streamline your marketing practices. Discover how you can amplify your brand when you have professional writers with a 14-day free trial.

The post Reverse Video Search: Why and How to Do It? A Guide for Digital-World Professionals appeared first on Rock Content.

It represents the fine line between having a one-time customer and having a repeat customer who is happy to spread the news of your brand’s products and services. 

Customer service bridges the gap between a purchase and a return customer by providing help, answering questions, and handling complaints or issues. 

Unfortunately, departments often prioritize other marketing or sales activities, leaving them understaffed and unhappy. 

Thankfully, Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is changing the name of the game regarding customer service. 

AI makes new tools, platforms, and techniques for managing customer requests possible. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how AI is changing customer service, how it benefits customer service teams, and how to use AI in customer service applications today.

How AI is Changing the Face of Customer Service

For generations, the quality of customer service behind a brand has been determined by employee headcount and bandwidth. 

Customer service representatives struggled to manage workloads with the influx of questions and calls from customers. 

AI has completely changed the way customer service runs in a business setting. 

With extra time, customer service representatives have time to do more and improve the customer experience. 

When customers feel like they have more connections to your brand and that their concerns are quickly and efficiently addressed, they are more likely to return. 

Encouraging repeat customers is the most effective method to manage marketing expenses, garner favorable brand feedback, and boost sales.

What are the Top Benefits of Knowing How to Use AI in Customer Service?

Understanding how to use AI in customer service can help your brand grow and keep your customers delighted. 

AI offers numerous benefits to customer service teams by assisting them in tasks they may not have the time or ability to manage independently. This fosters a better work culture and ensures that efforts are on important tasks.

Personalization

Personalization is a common buzzword in marketing. 

In short, personalization refers to the practice of tailoring messaging, offers, content and experiences for audience segments based on key identifying factors. 

It ahelps to increase customer satisfaction and deliver what each customer is looking for, rather than treating every person the same. 

AI helps in personalization efforts by taking data and generating buyer personas which it can then connect products and services with, making each customer’s experience unique. 

A common example of this is a recommended viewing list from a streaming service or a related products list email from a retailer.

Rich Productivity

Employee productivity and efficiency are key elements of any successful business. 

Not only does it ensure that everyone is doing their job, it means that employees feel satisfied in their positions. 

AI automates the daily recurring or repetitive tasks that take up much of our productive time. 

When certain tasks can be taken off the plates of customer service teams, they have more time to focus their productivity on more important tasks that grow the business.

Speedy and Always-Available Response

Is there anything worse than calling a customer service line and spending hours on hold? 

Or typing in a live chat box to speak with a salesperson and being left waiting for a response? 

Customers expect speedy responses at any time of the day. 

AI helps to improve the customer experience with always-available bots that have immediate answers. 

While these are obviously more limited than a real personal conversation, they still provide a wide array of possibilities to answer questions and let customers know they are being heard.

Multichannel Support

People want to reach your brand on their favored platforms. 

Just having a Facebook bot or a website plug-in isn’t enough to satisfy today’s customers. 

Thankfully, many chatbots and customer support AI platforms have built-in multichannel capabilities, meaning you don’t have to recreate your experience across different platforms. 

After setting up your bot, the same program will be implemented across your network.

Reduction in Churn Rate

“Churn” refers to the number of customers that leave your brand to go to a competitor.

While there are many reasons for churn, like a better product or price, there is a significant amount of churn as a result of a bad customer experience. 

AI can improve the overall quality of experience your customers have while on your website or social platforms, which in turn reduces the churn rate in your company.

Examples of AI Tools to Improve the Customer Experience

Today, you have access to several AI tools which can help improve the customer experience, including the five discussed below.

1. Zowie

You can easily get started answering users’ most frequently asked questions by automating the process with the aid of Zowie, the AI-powered software and chatbot provider.

Zowie allows you to easily scan your current FAQ page, creating a knowledge base that the chatbot will use for your customers.

As an additional bonus, the AI software can analyze your questions and apply the resulting answers to differently worded variations.

The chatbot will provide answers quickly to customers and can do so in over forty languages. It is easy to set up and can be integrated with various software, including Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and Shopify.

2. Aisera AI

The Aisera AI chatbot integrates with the various systems you may already have in place to deliver top-notch customer service. You can use it to help effectively cut down on wait times with its automatic interaction with customers.

Aisera AI integrates with various case management, ticketing, or CRM systems, including Salesforce and Zendesk, to escalate a customer to a live agent. This, in turn, can empower your support agents, allowing them to focus on the more unique issues that require direct interaction.

3. Yuma AI

A variety of AI tools are available today to help speed up response times, including self-service chatbots and voicebots, agent-assist solutions, conversational analytics, and AI-driven coaching.

One tool, in particular, that is beneficial for those on Shopify is Yuma, which provides an AI Ticket Assistant to help speed up procedures for responding to customers.

This software can reply in writing to customers’ inquiries, adjust writing styles when perceived to be necessary, automatically translate into 15 different languages, and also connect with your help-desk software.

4. Freshdesk

If you are searching for a tool to help you manage your customer service process across different channels, including any combination of live chat, emails, mobile apps, and social platforms, Freshdesk can be advantageous and time-saving.

With it, you can better automate your customer service workflow and provide your agents with a 360-degree view of each customer to better facilitate resolutions. It can also route tasks to where they can best be supported more efficiently, helping reduce call wait times for your customers.

5. Eddy AI

To streamline your customer support process, Eddy AI Assistant may be all you need. Its AI-powered chatbot can be integrated seamlessly with your different channels, including websites, social media pages, messaging apps, and mobile applications.

The Eddy AI Assistant meets customers at the initial point of contact, answering already established FAQs. For those questions not on that list, Eddy AI transfers the customer to a live customer service agent.

This platform also gathers detailed analytics on customer engagement and more, providing you with clues as to how to improve your customer service, marketing, and sales efforts.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an AI Solution for Customer Service

When deciding on an AI customer service solution, it’s crucial to weigh various factors to ensure you make the best choice for your business.

Compatibility

Firstly, compatibility with your existing systems is paramount. Look for a solution that seamlessly integrates with your current software and infrastructure to avoid disruptions and maximize efficiency.

Scalability

Scalability is another essential consideration. Your chosen solution should have the capacity to grow alongside your business, accommodating increasing volumes of customer interactions without sacrificing performance or reliability.

Ease of implementation

Ease of implementation and configuration is key to getting up and running quickly. Pick a solution that offers straightforward setup processes and intuitive user interfaces, minimizing the time and resources required for deployment.

Customization options

Customization options are also important. Your AI customer service solution should be flexible enough to adapt to your unique business requirements and workflows.

Look for features that allow you to tailor the solution to meet your specific needs, whether it’s customizing chatbot responses or configuring automated workflows.

Pricing

When evaluating pricing, consider the overall value proposition. While cost is certainly a factor, it’s essential to weigh it against the features, functionality, and benefits offered by the solution.

Look for transparent pricing structures and consider the long-term return on investment.

Customer support

Finally, robust customer support is crucial. Pick a vendor that provides excellent customer service and support resources, including responsive technical support, comprehensive documentation, and user training.

Having reliable support ensures that any issues or concerns can be addressed promptly, minimizing disruptions to your customer service operations.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select an AI customer service solution that aligns with your business goals and delivers tangible benefits in efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

Here’s a table that summarizes the main factors to consider:

5 Ways to Use AI in Customer Service Experiences

Now that you understand the benefits of knowing how to use AI in customer service experiences, let’s take a deep dive into some of the ways your business can utilize machine learning. 

Outsiders to AI might think that it requires dedicated teams of developers and engineers, but the opposite is true. 

AI can be woven into your marketing strategies in many ways with simple tools you might already have access to with your software.

1. Solving Users’ Most Frequent Questions

Customers will often have similar or even the same questions regarding your brand, your products, and services, or your policies. 

While creating a FAQ page on your brand’s website is always a best practice, sometimes customers want to get that information in other ways. 

Chatbots and AI communication tools can connect customers to the answers they are looking for in a friendly, interactive, and engaging format. 

Many customers prefer the experience of a conversation, even if it’s with a bot.

When your customer service teams aren’t fielding the same questions every day, it frees up a lot of time in the day to focus on other, high-level tasks. 

Both customers and your customer service team will benefit from bots.

2. Learning Customer Behavior Patterns

While your marketing and sales efforts are taking in a large amount of data, parsing through all that data and gaining actionable insights isn’t as easy. 

AI can go through massive data sets and pull out information related to customer behavior patterns. 

When you understand the patterns exhibited by your customers, you can better predict the solutions or alternatives that will appeal to your audiences, as well as be able to predict important events and trends.

One way to accomplish this is with the use of an AI-powered solution called Ion.

While this platform provides you with the ability to easily create interactive content for your potential and existing customers, it can also do more.

Ion is an AI-powered solution for learning, measuring, and generating insights into your customers’ behavior patterns. With it, you can learn how your customers are engaging with your interactive customer service content by way of the platform’s clear and accurate reporting abilities.

It also easily integrates with your CRM or automation tool, and you can export the data for review and use by your sales and marketing teams.

3. Speeding Up Response Times

In today’s fast-paced world, customers don’t want to wait for answers. 

When a customer sends a message through a chatbot or a customer service form, they want an immediate response to their concern. 

If you can’t respond promptly to customer needs, they may quickly become frustrated with the experience and either switch to a competitor or lose faith in your team’s customer service capabilities.

Responding quickly is key to increasing customer satisfaction and AI can help with that.

Whether it’s a chatbot that talks to the customer in place of a representative or an automated response that directs customers to an after-service line, there are many ways AI helps speed up response times.

4. Measuring Customer Wait Times

Companies can use AI not just for shortening the gap between responses in chatbots — it can also use AI to measure wait times for customers online, on the phone, or even in person. 

AI can measure how long your customers wait for responses in live chats, calculate hold times, and determine the time it takes for a customer to be seen after checking in for an in-person appointment.

When you understand how long customers are waiting, you can start to strategize on how to improve and expedite to make the experience better for your audience.

5. Capturing Large Amounts of Data

While forms or purchase histories can provide some data, AI can dive much deeper and capture large amounts of data. 

AI tools can mine complex data that most team members wouldn’t know how to interpret or even collect. 

Even more so than capturing data, AI can comprehend and organize the data into actionable steps and clear insights. 

AI finds patterns that people won’t notice and transforms complicated data sets into easy reports.

Challenges of Using AI In Customer Service

Before getting started on incorporating AI into your customer service process, it will also be beneficial to gain a sense of the various existing challenges. The most common ones are listed below.

Identifying where to insert AI

Before adding AI solutions into your customer service process, you must first fully understand your customers and determine where to insert AI most effectively.

You’ll need to determine these first, finding where to introduce AI solutions to help both you and them without going overboard.

Anticipating escalation of customer needs

Over the last few years, customers have become increasingly comfortable with self-service options on digital channels. Automated first points of contact are increasingly being accepted as the norm.

However, when it comes to additional or more complex customer needs, customers prefer human interaction, whether through a call center or assisted chats online.

Where the challenge comes in is that companies today must anticipate where the escalation of customer needs occurs and how to transition. This adds a degree of complexity, as the mix of AI and human solutions must intertwine at some point.

Handling increasing customer expectations

As with shopping online or using the self-checkout at the local grocery store, consumers today are becoming more comfortable and reliant on quick, straightforward, self-service options and fast response times.

The downside to all of this is that it can result in rising expectations of other self-service options or faster responses from human agents within your company.

If you don’t continue to progress in how your AI-powered or assisted solutions function, you will be unable to meet those increasing customer expectations and suffer the consequences.

It’s the double-edged sword of providing too much vs. providing too little, with the potential for failing to meet your customers’ needs and expectations either way.

Meeting the expenses of implementation

For implementing AI-powered or AI-assisted solutions, costs can be high and, for some, even prohibitive.

Every company will need to consider this, measuring potential costs against the expected benefits.

Another factor that will contribute to the cost of implementing and using AI in customer service is the need for the required infrastructure. Since AI solutions require high volumes of data to be efficient, your business must have the infrastructure to facilitate this.

Maintaining a trained workforce for AI-assisted customer service

While AI may be the wave of the future, it is not at a point where companies can dismiss human oversight. You will need to ensure you maintain enough customer service employees to keep everything in check and keep the service efficient and acceptable.

Yet, with such bold changes in the workplace, you now face the dilemma of potentially lacking enough experienced customer service employees. These essential workers will need to continue to monitor customer service outcomes while also supporting the AI programs and tools you are using.

Today, the labor market is tight when it comes to finding workers for these roles. For those you hire, you’ll likely need to train them to understand how your customer service process integrates AI and human solutions. This training will naturally incur costs and can be highly time-consuming, especially if you experience a high turnover rate.

Wrap-Up: AI is Changing the World of Customer Service 

And it’s also making things easier and more efficient for customer representatives and teams. 

With new tools, techniques, and applications for AI and machine learning, marketing teams are changing the ways in which they operate and moving forward with digital transformations.

If you are wondering how AI can help improve your marketing efforts and the overall customer service experience, start with a look at what Ion can offer. Request a demo today!

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