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Marketing Insights
June 22, 2026

AI Didn’t Replace Agencies — It Exposed the Bad Ones

For the past few years, AI has dominated nearly every marketing conversation—and for good reason. It’s faster, more scalable, and more accessible than anything we’ve seen before. But somewhere along the way, the narrative got a little off track.

AI didn’t replace marketing agencies.

It revealed which ones were never that strong to begin with.

At Onya, we’ve been watching this shift closely. What’s happening right now isn’t a mass extinction of agencies—it’s a separation. A clear divide between those who bring real strategic thinking to the table and those who were relying on manual effort, guesswork, or surface-level tactics to stay relevant.

For businesses evaluating their current marketing partner, this moment is telling. The cracks are easier to see now.

The Rise of “Easy” Marketing — And Why It Backfired

AI has made marketing execution dramatically easier. What used to take days can now be done in minutes. Campaign assets can be generated at scale, content can be produced on demand, and workflows that once required entire teams can now be automated.

On the surface, that sounds like progress—and it is. But it also created an unintended consequence.

When everyone has access to the same tools, execution alone stops being impressive.

Agencies that once stood out because they could produce quickly or operate efficiently are finding it harder to differentiate. Speed is no longer special. Volume is no longer valuable on its own. And cost-efficiency, while still important, is no longer enough to justify a partnership.

In many cases, AI didn’t make these agencies worse. It simply made their limitations more visible.

What AI Actually Exposed

One of the most noticeable gaps has been in strategy. AI is incredibly effective at generating content, but it doesn’t inherently understand a business—its positioning, its audience, or the nuance behind why customers choose one brand over another. Agencies that leaned heavily on templated campaigns or recycled messaging are now finding that their work looks indistinguishable from what AI can produce in seconds.

Stronger agencies have taken a different approach. They’re using AI as a tool to enhance execution, but they’re doubling down on the elements that can’t be automated—clear positioning, thoughtful messaging, and cohesive strategies that connect every stage of the funnel. In this environment, strategy isn’t just important; it’s the only real differentiator.

At the same time, AI has brought more scrutiny to performance. It has never been easier to produce polished reports filled with clean dashboards and impressive-looking metrics. But many businesses are starting to look past surface-level indicators and ask a more important question: is this actually driving revenue?

This shift has exposed agencies that rely too heavily on vanity metrics. High engagement and strong click-through rates don’t mean much if they don’t translate into pipeline or growth. As content production becomes easier, outcomes matter more than ever.

Another area that’s come into focus is the industry’s growing obsession with tools. Over the past few years, the number of AI-powered platforms has exploded, and many agencies have built their messaging around them. But leading with tools instead of outcomes has created confusion for clients. Businesses don’t need more software—they need clarity, direction, and results.

Then there’s the issue of content quality. AI-generated content is everywhere, and much of it sounds the same. Without strong guidance, it tends to default to safe, predictable language that fails to stand out. Brands that rely too heavily on this kind of content risk blending into the background, losing the distinct voice that sets them apart. Original thinking, perspective, and emotional connection still matter—and they can’t be outsourced entirely to automation.

What Good Agencies Are Doing Differently in 2026

The agencies that are thriving right now didn’t resist AI. They embraced it—but with intention.

Instead of handing over the reins completely, they’re using AI to move faster and work smarter while keeping strategic decisions firmly human-led. It’s not about replacing people; it’s about removing inefficiencies so more time can be spent on higher-impact work.

There’s also been a noticeable shift in what these agencies prioritize. Rather than focusing on activity—how many campaigns launched or how much content was produced—they’re tying their efforts directly to business outcomes. Conversations have moved beyond impressions and engagement toward pipeline, customer acquisition costs, and long-term value.

Flexibility has become another defining trait. Marketing in 2026 doesn’t sit still for long. Platforms evolve, algorithms change, and consumer behavior continues to shift. The strongest agencies aren’t building rigid, set-it-and-forget-it strategies. They’re creating frameworks that can adapt quickly without losing direction.

Perhaps most importantly, they’re redefining what it means to be an agency partner. The relationship is no longer transactional. Instead of simply executing tasks, they’re contributing ideas, challenging assumptions, and taking ownership of results. There’s a level of accountability and collaboration that goes beyond campaign management—it’s about helping move the business forward in a meaningful way.

A Moment of Clarity for Businesses

For many organizations, this shift has created a moment of reflection. Marketing may still be running, campaigns may still be active, and reports may still be delivered on time—but something feels off. Growth isn’t where it should be. Results feel inconsistent. There’s a sense that more is happening, but less is being achieved.

That disconnect is often where the problem lies.

When execution becomes easier, it’s tempting to assume that more output will lead to better outcomes. But without a strong strategic foundation, more activity can simply mean more noise. AI has made that reality harder to ignore.

AI didn’t eliminate the need for marketing agencies. If anything, it made the right agency more valuable than ever.

Because when execution becomes accessible to everyone, thinking becomes the differentiator.

At Onya, we believe the future of marketing isn’t about choosing between human expertise and AI—it’s about combining them in a way that actually drives results. That starts with strategy, stays grounded in business outcomes, and uses technology as an enabler rather than a crutch.

The gap between good and bad agencies is only getting wider. And in our digital sphere, it’s never been easier to see where your current partner stands.

If your marketing feels like it’s moving—but not progressing—it may not be a question of tools or tactics. It may be time to take a closer look at the strategy behind it—and the team responsible for driving it forward.

AI Didn’t Replace Agencies — It Exposed the Bad Ones
October 19, 2023

How to Create LinkedIn Content That Converts

When it comes to working LinkedIn content with the intent of converting readers, many post content that ends up being pretty boring and easy to avoid for effective business changes. Sure, LinkedIn is filled with professionals, but the content still needs to strike strong in order to catch their attention. 

Creating LinkedIn content that converts involves a combination of strategic planning and engaging storytelling. If you’re looking to make an impact on this highly-used and professional platform, here are some tips to help you convert content: 

Define your objectives

Clearly understand your goals and what you want to achieve with your LinkedIn content. Whether it’s generating leads, grow your business on LinkedIn, driving traffic to your website, or increasing brand awareness, having a clear objective will guide your content creation process.

Know your target audience

Research and understand your target audience’s demographics, interests, pain points, and motivations. This information will help you tailor your content to resonate with them and address their needs. Tailor your content to their interests, pain points, and goals.

Create compelling headlines

Craft attention-grabbing headlines that entice readers to click and go deeper. Make sure your headline is concise and specific and highlights the value or benefit readers will gain from engaging with your content.

Offer valuable insights

Provide readers with valuable, actionable information that addresses your audience’s pain points and solves issues for them. Share industry insights, tips, and strategies that position you as a thought leader and expert in your field.

Utilize visual content

Incorporate eye-catching visuals such as images, videos, or infographics into your LinkedIn posts. Visuals help capture attention, give moments to pause, increase engagement, and make your content more shareable.

Tell stories with authenticity

Share personal anecdotes, case studies with hard facts, or real success stories that resonate with your audience. Authentic storytelling helps create an emotional connection and builds trust with your readers.

Include a clear call to action (CTA)

Every piece of content should have a clear CTA that guides your audience to take the desired action. It could be visiting your website, downloading a resource, signing up for a webinar, or contacting you directly.

Engage with your audience

Actively respond to comments, engage in conversations, and build relationships with your audience. By being present and responsive, you can foster trust and credibility, and increase the chances of conversions.

Talk in a conversational tone

Be sure to write in a very friendly and approachable manner, preferably one that is readable. LinkedIn is a professional platform but you want to strike a healthy balance between professionalism and approachability.

Test and iterate

Continuously test different types of content, formats, headlines, and CTAs to determine what resonates best with your audience. Use LinkedIn analytics to track the performance of your posts and make data-driven decisions to optimize your content strategy. When it comes to testing this content, make sure you’re generating enough to actually test with. One or two posts are fine but consistency is key and you want to see what swings can make people run or stay away.

With LinkedIn posts, be sure information is relevant and timely, providing value at all turns so that you give people a reason to engage and ultimately convert. Remember that professionals are people too and desire to connect rather than be sold to. The more humane, the better the overall return. Looking for help when it comes to fine-tuning your social strategy? Let Onya help by booking a call today!

How to Create LinkedIn Content That Converts
October 19, 2023

Why You Can Create Content Better Than ChatGPT

Don’t get us wrong, we can’t deny AI tools have the compilation of some of the best content out there (and there’s plenty out there to be had)!

They’re good at gathering and generating “information” you could talk about, but it’s not always the best when it comes to creating content that gets traction. 

They don’t have what you have, which is your tone of voice, perspective, and experience on a specific topic. The information could come from the AI tools (if you use them), but the insights on how to use the information should come from you. 

Consider what we type in when looking for results on “How to Get 100,000 followers on Instagram”

“Gaining a large following on Instagram requires time, effort, and engaging content. Here are some tips to help you increase your Instagram followers:

1. Post high-quality content: Share visually appealing photos, videos, or graphics that are relevant to your target audience.

2. Consistency is key: Regularly post content to keep your followers engaged and interested. Find a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it.

3. Use relevant hashtags: Research and include popular and niche-specific hashtags in your posts. This will help your content reach a wider audience and increase your chances of being discovered.

4. Engage with others: Interact with your followers and other users by responding to comments, liking their posts, and following accounts that align with your interests. Genuine engagement can attract new followers.

5. Collaborate with influencers: Partner with influencers or popular accounts in your niche for collaborations or shoutouts. This can expose your account to a wider audience and help you gain followers.

6. Run contests or giveaways: Offer incentives for people to follow your account, such as giveaways or contests. Make sure the requirements to enter include following your account or tagging friends, which can help increase your follower count.

7. Cross-promote on other platforms: Promote your Instagram account on other social media platforms, your website, or through your email newsletter. Encourage your existing audience to follow you on Instagram.

8. Optimize your profile: Make sure your Instagram bio is clear, concise, and reflects your brand or interests. Use a recognizable profile picture and include a link to your website or a relevant landing page.”

While these are all absolutely good and workable strategies, there’s one big problem: they’re incredibly mainstream. Everyone talks in this way.

Sharing just “information” today is that literally anyone can do just that. And pretty soon, the content market just sounds like a broken record. 

AI tools can give you tons of information for the “how you…” content which is a fine starting point, but in order for you to differentiate yourself, you need something beyond just information. 

You need the “how I…” content. 

The best type of content to earn trust and credibility is the “how I received/delivered *result*” content. This is something you can’t find with AI tools. Many people won't care about your tips on “how you…” before you’ve proven your expertise with the “How I…” content. 

There’s a massive difference between “Do blank and get results” versus “I did blank and here’s the % result we experienced.”

You are able to create better content by sharing real-life experiences and industry expertise than using a monotone computer-generated content filler. It gets the job done, but not in a way that will bring you long-term success. 

In other words, if you want to create content better than AI tools and not get replaced, begin putting the work in. The actual business work. Share those outcomes and the rest will speak for itself. 

Looking for ways to amp up your content and create lasting impressions on your target audience? We can help. Reach out to Onya today to schedule a free consultation!

Why You Can Create Content Better Than ChatGPT
October 19, 2023

Updates That Are Changing Social Media

We all know social media is an ever-changing, regenerative process that seeks to engage more and more users. Each platform has its own agenda, but at its core, social media is always looking for new and exciting ways to keep you focused on their respective content. 

With the introduction of AI Integrated Features and new revenue-generating models like a paid blue tick, the way we use social media is changing and we want to be sure you’re in the know. 

Let’s take a look at some of the major updates from the social media world: 

Instagram will now allow users to download publicly posted reel content.

As of right now, this feature appears to only be rolled out to the US. As users need to do is tap the “Share” icon on a desired reel and select “Download”. The plus here is the broader sharing of content which will encourage boosts in branding, even without the direct link to the creator’s profiles (as it will have the username in the clip itself).

TikTok for a long time has enabled this feature, and with Instagram now opting in as well, it will provide more pathways to maximize reach. For those that don’t want this feature turned on, no worries - creators can turn this feature off in their account settings.

Twitter is rolling out 25k character tweets for Twitter blue subscribers. 

Yeah, you read that right. 25k. Hope you like to read long tweets.

In February 2023, Twitter Blue Subscribers were able to tweet up to 4k characters. In April, that was expanded to 10k. Now, it’s 25k.

Not only that, but they also included the ability to add inline images between long parses of text, giving users many options for how they shape their content. This falls directly in line with the new CEO’s vision of expanding the app's functionality by giving people a place to share more types of content like long-form text and video. Long-term, their goal is to better monetize the app instead of users needing to link to other platforms to view information.

LinkedIn is launching live tests of generative AI posts. 

AI isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and LinkedIn is seeking a way to leverage this newfound ability so that users can begin a basic draft idea of what they’d like to share. Upon drafting a few sentences, the composer would then provide suggestions on first drafts. Their intent behind it is to help create full ideas that don’t take an eternity to draft. Our biggest concern, it’s not 100% your voice or fully-owned opinion. Ultimately it could misrepresent the person creating the post. Time will tell if people will be held accountable or own these AI-generated posts or not. 

LinkedIn is removing native carousels, profile videos, and in-image links.

With social media comes the opportunity for bad features and good features. Some features work for some platforms while others can flop.

This is the case for some of the newest features LinkedIn quietly removed including profile videos, in-image linking, and carousels. While the carousel option seemed to be a good idea (take Facebook or Instagram), users weren’t leveraging it nearly as much as LinkedIn developers anticipated. Users were able to manually run it on their own through the PDF attachment option but the native feature didn’t take, so it’s being rolled back.

It's the same with profile videos. The idea spurred the thought that employers might want to see more from the individual submitting their resume or posting content but it didn’t make much of a difference in take-up so that feature was also removed.

Lastly was the direct linking in images. The idea here is mimicked from story posts driving direct link referral traffic, but again, the idea never caught on. In short, not all ideas span all platforms and LinkedIn is learning just like the rest of us that it’s okay to try and fail.

Meta is launching a new Twitter challenger app. 

It’s no secret that there’s unrest in the Twitter-sphere right now as Musk and Zuckerburg battle it out for the biggest posting medium in the social media world.

Twitter has been making massive changes within the past year (good or bad is up to the consumers) but one thing’s for sure and that is Meta is recognizing opportunity from the exodus of engagers on Twitter and creating their own space to share thoughts and opinions. This real-time text app, labeled Project 92 has the potential to take the world by storm with the existing 1.3 billion active users currently on Instagram who would be able to automatically create an account, thus challenging the so-called 250 million active users on Twitter. Only time (and functionality) will tell if this new platform takes off and kicks Twitter out.

As stated previously, social media is always bound to change, many times not affecting users in any major ways. However, these new updates seem to be causing a stir in the community and we desire to ensure you know how to best leverage these changes. Want to learn more? We’d be glad to talk. Reach out to Onya today to schedule a meeting. 

Updates That Are Changing Social Media
October 9, 2023

5 Questions Your Pinned Instagram Posts Should Answer

The Posts You Pin Say A Lot About You

Great answers require great questions.


Asking the right questions is not only key to solving mysteries, acing interviews or winning a beauty pageant. It is the secret sauce to growing your business too!

Have you ever asked what in the world are pinned posts for? Since we live in a time of scrolling ad infinitum, creating content that stops the scroll and gets the attention of your target audience is a must.

But what’s next? This is where understanding content curation using pinned posts comes in to get them to know you.

Make a great first impression. Onya mark, get set, grow!

Best,

Woman scrolling on her social media feed

Your Pinned Posts Should Answer These 5 Questions

In the fast-paced world of social media, with the clicks, likes, views, comments, and content creation, it’s essential to make an impactful first impression with your Instagram account. 

This is especially important considering Instagram offers key tools like pinned posts to grab users’ attention and guide them to more. As Instagram’s algorithm evolves, pinned posts have become a powerful tool to captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression. Below, we explore the five questions your pinned Instagram posts should answer to attract and engage your followers effectively. 

Who are you and what do you do?

The very first question your pinned post should answer is who you are and what it is that you do. It should be a clear and concise introduction to your account’s identity and let users know instantly what it is you’re all about. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, travel blogger, budding artist, or a business owner, be sure that visitors can immediately understand the account’s purpose and content focus. Being too general will confuse people and lead them to someone more focused, while being too wordy and specific will bore them and lead them elsewhere as well. Be straight to the point and clear. 

What value do you offer to your followers?

People follow accounts that provide value and enrich their lives in some way. Use your pinned post to communicate the benefits of following your account. Do you go out of your way to share insightful tips, entertaining content, inspirational stories, or exclusive promotions? Highlight the unique value you bring to your followers and let them know why they should stay connected to your journey. 

What sets you apart?

In a massive sea of Instagram accounts, what makes yours stand out? Use your pinned posts to showcase your unique selling points and core values. Whether it’s your authentic storytelling, cutting-edge expertise, stunning visuals, or distinctive brand voice, emphasize what sets you apart and entices followers to choose you over others in the same niche. The more specific your niche is and the clearer you convey it, the more interested users will be to learn more.

How can others engage with you?

Interaction and engagement are the lifelines of any successful Instagram account. Encourage your audience to interact with your content and be part of your community as you share across the platform. Ask questions, invite them to tag friends, run a giveaway, and promote helpful discussions. Use your pinned posts to provide them with clear instructions on how they can communicate by liking, commenting, sharing, or more!

What should they expect moving forward?

Lastly, leave your followers excited and curious about what’s to come down the road. Use the pinned posts section to tease upcoming content, collaborations, or events. You may share hints about future projects or new initiatives to build anticipation. This way you can keep your audience eagerly waiting for more.

Your pinned Instagram posts serve as a virtual handshake, making a lasting impression on every visitor who stumbles upon your profile. By answering these five crucial questions, you can effectively captivate your audience and foster a loyal community that converts. 

Introduce yourself, showcase your unique value, highlight what sets you apart, encourage engagement, and tease upcoming content to keep your followers eager and invested in your journey. Remember, your pinned post is the gateway to the IG world - make it count! Looking for more helpful tips and tricks on converting within Instagram? We’d love to chat. Give Onya a call today to learn more!

5 Questions Your Pinned Instagram Posts Should Answer
September 25, 2023

Our Top Weekly Instagram Story Ideas

We here at Onya challenge you to make it a priority to show up for your audience on Instagram stories. Why? 

Recent Instagram Stats note that 50% of Instagram users have visited a website to make a purchase after seeing it in stories. Stories not only put you front-and-center in your followers feed, they also humanize your brand by being more informal and offer many opportunities to engage with end-users. 

But how do you know what to talk about on a regular basis? 

We’ve got you covered there. Instagram stories don’t need to be complicated - let them be basic so that you can connect on a deep level. 

Onya Blog | Instagram Story Ideas

Instagram Story Ideas

Monday
  • Motivational Monday - What gets you out of bed? What keeps you going? 
  • Mission Accomplished - How do you set yourself up for the week? See how your audience does this as well. 
  • Morning Routine - Time stamp your routine. What did you have for breakfast? How do you get awake and moving? 
Tuesday
  • Tuesday Quick Tips - What valuable tips can you share with your audience? 
  • Transformational Tuesday - Share a client case study and how they changed due to your brand. 
  • Transparency - Let go of your perfect image for once and share something real about you or your business. 
Wednesday
  • What I’ve Learned - If you could go back and tell your younger self something, what might it be? 
  • Workspace - Share your work setup and how your brand functions throughout the day. 
  • Wednesday Wellness - What are your healthy habits? How do you prevent burnout? 
Thursday
  • Thankful for - What are you grateful for? Have you had a win recently you want to share? 
  • Trust the Process - How do you create your product or service? Let people see behind the scenes. 
  • Trending Now - Share a trend in your industry and your thoughts on it. 
Friday
  • Free Resources - Share a lead magnet, a free masterclass, or some sort of downloadable content for people to build trust with your brand. 
  • Fun Facts - Have your audience join in your business or industry quiz. 
  • Funday - What does your Friday consist of for you and your employees? How do you unwind? Share what you’re up to. 
Saturday
  • Sneak Peek - Share how you’re relaxing or what your plans entail. What is your audience up to? Be sure to ask them!
  • Sharing Time - Share your book, restaurant, mindfulness, or recipe recommendations. The sky’s the limit!
  • Saturday Style - What does your attire look like this weekend? How are you making a splash? 
Sunday
  • Story Time - Grab a glass and share a business story or personal experience that others can learn from. 
  • Self Care - What are your Sunday rituals to prepare for the week? 
  • Say it again - Share a highlight of the past week’s updates that your audience may have missed. 

Save these story ideas and save yourself the time and energy of sitting on Canva scrolling through varying templates before giving up and just resharing the main post you made earlier that day. You CAN make an impact on a daily basis with stories. Which ideas will you try first? 

If you or your brand is needing assistance with social media strategy and advertising, Onya can help out in big ways. Contact us today to learn more!

Our Top Weekly Instagram Story Ideas
September 18, 2023

How to Go Viral on Instagram

And we’re going to stop to interrupt with this very important announcement: we’re not in the business of going viral on Instagram. We’re in the business of…well…business!

Let’s also ask one simple question: Why is going viral your goal? 

Going Viral

Hitting milestone numbers with “viral” reach isn’t like rubbing a magic lamp and getting three business wishes. Hitting 100k views on a reel doesn’t automatically get you 100k in sales. We wish it did, but it doesn’t work that way. 

Plus, if you aren’t putting any effort into strategizing your content - those numbers you’re reaching are far less likely to convert to followers when they land on your page and find 10,001 attempts to go “viral” but can’t figure out who you are or what you do. 

Consider Your Audience

The energy and time spent chasing these numbers would be better placed nurturing relationships, connecting with your current audience, and creating a community that you enjoy showing up for. 

If you’re always focused on new numbers, you’ll discover many who haven’t connected with you or followed along. You’re ignoring the people who are right in front of you and are ready and excited to see your content and engage. 

Instead of chasing vanity numbers, why not nurture those relationships and foster the already existing community? 

Avoid “Viral” Metrics

Take some pressure off. Social media should be fun and not feel like a chore. And really, not every post has to be a chart-topper. Think about your favorite musician. They have fan favorites, the kind that many listen to on repeat! They also have lesser-known songs but are they removed from the album? No, largely because for some people, those less popular songs are their favorite. 

In the same way, some of your content may not be the most popular or garner the most attention online, but it sure does pack a punch for someone out there and it may be just what they needed to seal the deal with your business. 

They come to your feed or your site to read, watch, and save content. They have that one post that made them feel seen and heard. The one post that gave them the lightbulb moment and changed their perspective. This is the kind of content that can’t be defined by likes, views, comments, or saves. 

Redirect Your Attention

Let’s have you focus on new goals since we’re going to place going viral in the bin for the moment. Focus on fostering your community, converting more followers to customers and showing up with confidence in posting content you genuinely enjoy posting. 

Vanity metrics are good for tracking what your audience thinks about your content, but ensure you’re using those metrics in line with and against your core business goals and purpose. Don’t stray from what your business needs. 

All in all, if social media (particularly Instagram) feels too much like you’re throwing spaghetti against the wall and hoping it will stick, you’re probably doing something wrong. It shouldn’t feel so hard to get conversions which is why we recommend checking out helpful resources and building a strategy centered around community and core business goals. Be sure to reach out to Onya to create conversions that matter! Contact us today.

https://www.onyamark.com/contact-us

How to Go Viral on Instagram
September 11, 2023

Posting on Social Media is the LAST Thing You Should Do

We know….this sounds unusual, but posting on social media shouldn’t be the first step. 

Don’t panic. We’re not going down the road of “You don’t own your Instagram, what if you lost your account” or any advice along those lines. It’s much bigger than that.

What we literally mean is that when creating your sales and marketing strategy, “posting on social media” should be one of the last steps you implement. 

Here’s why…

You may be asking, “Aren’t you a social media and advertising management business?”

Yes, yes we are. And we’re here to tell you - Don’t start trying to sell on social media platforms until: 

  1. You’re super clear on your offer
  2. You’ve built out a solid sales funnel
  3. You have a sales strategy aligned with your ideal client

Getting 20K views on a funny reel is awesome, but is anyone purchasing after watching? 

You may be focusing on the wrong thing. Instead of looking for trending audios or learning a new lip-sync, focus on strategically placing people into your funnel so that you can start selling to them. 

How do you do that? 

  1. Understand your audience - Yes, you need to talk to these people. It’s not enough to just sell to them. Listen to what they have to say. Seek to understand their pain points, needs, and desires.
  2. Innovate - Listen to what your audience says but try to create solutions in unique ways. This all depends on your industry but address needs from the inside out. This will help set you apart from competitors.
  3. Build out your sales funnel - Create a selling process that is both seamless and straightforward. Don’t make your audience jump through hoops to join in your business endeavors and make a purchase. Avoid the runaround. Hook them while they’re interested.
  4. Assess and Pivot - If things are working, assess to find out why. Did one avenue work better than another? Why didn’t the other tactic work? Work and rework as needed.

Notice how most of those weren’t all centered on social media? Save social media for when your process is mature and ready. 

Also, ask yourself before posting - Is this content gaining my business visibility, proving authority, or creating lead generation? If not, it may be worth passing on for the time being (or posting to your own personal account).

Remember, selling doesn’t have to be so “buy this, it’s great.”

Instead of selling with overdone, obvious sales posts with no real strategy behind them, capture your audience’s attention and establish trust. Direct them to your funnel in creative ways and let the planned (tried and true) funnel do the rest.

This way, you aren’t posting your offer over and over. That would be both dull and exhausting to your audience. Your engagement would meet the long end of a short pier and people would run. 

Start with the end goal in mind.

Selling on your social media down the line of to-do’s means you’re creating demand to feed your funnel with already hungry leads, not constantly chasing them.

Doing some research, building out a strategy, creating a sales funnel, and THEN posting to your channels may not seem like the most fun plan, but booking a much-needed vacation whilst getting multiple payment notifications IS fun. Otherwise, again, you’ll just be chasing pipe dreams. Work from a tried and true process that is built to last and your social will just be a tool to help reap those rewards. 

When we work with our clients, we do so much more than posting their content and advertising. Our first question is usually what are your goals and why do you want to have an outstanding social media presence? 

For some, it’s to increase visibility, grow their presence, and connect with more people online. But for most, their priority is sales. 

This is why here at Onya, we build a social media and advertising strategy that incorporates a sales strategy to provide growth AND bring in sales. Showing up on social media is both helpful and necessary (and gives people that binge-worthy content they love). We just ask you to get it in the right order. Looking for help in posting the right way? We are here to help. Reach out to Onya today to learn more!

Posting on Social Media is the LAST Thing You Should Do
September 4, 2023

How to Become the Go-To Brand

Let’s go ahead and play some word association, shall we? 

When we say smartphone, what comes to mind? Apple perhaps? 

Music Streaming - maybe Spotify? 

That’s because these guys are the big players and have done an incredible job of making their brands known to you. 

However, being top of mind isn’t just for the biggest brands out there. If you’re reading this, you’re likely not a big player for smartphones or music streaming. You’re likely a business trying to become a stand-out in your niche industry. But how do you make that happen? 

You’re probably thinking, “But I’m not a massive brand with a huge budget to use on marketing. How do I make this happen?”

The fact of the matter is: these brands all had to start somewhere. A business doesn’t become a leader in their market overnight. It takes time and a whole lot of focused strategy. It also takes some key tactics that all businesses should be mindful of when building their brand. 

Let’s start with Starbucks: 

They have a very consistent brand experience. Part of the appeal of Starbucks is familiarity. Consistency means the brand becomes more defined in customers’ minds, increasing Brand awareness, which in turn makes the brand more reliable. 

How this applies to you: 

Consistency! Everything your business does can be tailored to be part of your brand. From your logo to your presence on social media. Your goal is to create an identity that your audience feels familiar with them and can relate with. This makes your brand feel more like a trusted partner than a nameless business. 

Let’s Look at Netflix:

Take a look at the graphic below. When you talk in a language your customers understand, you can easily convey your message. Good design and good copy go hand-in-hand. The copy here wouldn’t have made that much of an impact for the Stranger Things teaser if not for the upside-down text. Netflix is playing on a common theme and recognizable branding. 

Netflix billboard
https://www.kerrang.com/netflix-teases-stranger-things-4-with-upside-down-billboard
How this applies to you:

Scratch beyond the surface and compile thorough market research to create a target profile and learn the language of your audience.

Let’s Wrap It Up with Apple: 

Over the years, Apple has built one of the most loyal followings of any known brand. Their marketing strategies include making customers want to belong to a community that understands their pain points and seeks to simplify with great technology. 

They don’t just mimic audience usability behaviors, they invent it. They ask, follow, watch, and respond to known technology issues that people over the years have had. We all knew we loved listening to music on stereos, walkmans, and on the radio. Apple just made it possible to compile all our favorites onto one single device. And they didn’t stop there! 

How this Applies to You: 

Show your audience you value them and their opinions by building a community. Seek to listen….really listen….to what they are experiencing and innovate. 

  • Respond to their comments and carry on a helpful conversation. 
  • Create programs for referrals to reward them for their input. 
  • Check-in with your current and past clients. What do they love and hate? 
  • Ask open-ended questions in your content. 

All-in-all, It is possible to become a go-to brand in your industry. It takes work, and a lot of humility, but it is possible. If you’re ready to get going and glow up your content, feel free to reach out to our team here at Onya! We would love to help you build a brand strategy that moves mountains!

How to Become the Go-To Brand
August 29, 2023

5 Ways to Maximize ROI from Email Marketing

Every single dollar that goes into marketing is valuable. Because your time is valuable. 

With email marketing, many still wonder if it’s worth their dollar or if they should even still use it. 

The answer is yes. 1000x yes. Email marketing, when done right, is set up to make you money and continue making you money for years to come. In fact, Litmus shared that for every $1 you spend on email marketing, you can expect an average return of $36. Compared to other marketing platforms, that’s the highest there is. We understand if you still have your doubts though. Email has been around for a long time (too long some think). But there’s a reason it’s still one of the go-to marketing tactics. 

If your brand is struggling to make email with their while, this post is for you. 

What exactly is Email Marketing ROI? 

ROI stands for “return on investment”. Email marketing ROI is the term used to describe the metric that defines the success of a given email marketing campaign. 

Tracking the EXACT ROI for email marketing isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. Email used for marketing purposes can accomplish so much for your business including awareness, relationship growth, increase in social platforms/website, and profit growth. Keep in mind that email can do any number of things as long as it’s contributing towards your established business or marketing goals. Your idea of ROI may look much different than the business down the street. They may see effective ROI as gaining the most followers as possible on their Facebook platform while you may see it as gaining the highest dollar. Either way, the tactics below are recommended strategies to maximize your investment.

How to Maximize Your Email Marketing ROI

1. Segment Your Audiences

Once again, it all comes back to your target audiences. By separating out your email distribution list into core groups and their behaviors, your Email marketing strategy will instantly become more strategic and focused. Some end-users may want to read more on your website while others would prefer to interact via seminar. Either way, the CTA and outcome looks different. 

Using this tactic also allows you to create customized journeys based on where they jump in through the sales cycle. Again, this directly addresses their need and isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Thereby, increasing your conversions significantly. 

2. Make it Personal

Industry talk is fine for the most recent convention but keep your emails relatable through storytelling, tips and tricks, and conversations. Many email tools today too allow for name inserts in the subject line as well as in the body text. The more personal (but professional), the better. Your audience will thank you and you will be less likely to end up in the spam folder. 

3. Consider Timing

The time you send your messages can make or break whether or not a user even opens the email. Analytics in general suggests Tuesday mornings but this doesn’t necessarily mean it works for your target audience. Start there, and test out other times to see where you get the biggest bang for conversions. And folks, we’re not talking about testing 1-2 times. We're testing out a full campaign or multiple emails. It will be revealing of how future messages will perform in the future. 

4. Insert Quality Imagery and Branding

Guys, aesthetics are a big thing. Big.

Whether you like it or not, people are visual and will click away in an INSTANT if they aren’t pleased with what they see. Now, I’m not saying everything has to be 100K+ in photography and design spend but it should seriously stand out from your competitors. 

We get it - not every industry requires intense graphics. But for heavens sake, please use professional and clean imagery, preferably pictures of your workspace that is specific to YOU. Stock images are useful in some cases, but where possible, use your own. 

With campaigns, ensure the medium matches the end goal. Sometimes video works better and sometimes pictures say it all. Use discretion and wisdom when building out your marketing campaign via email. 

Last but not least with graphics, be consistent. Your emails should fall directly in line with your company brand look and shouldn’t cause alarm for regular followers. 

5.Use Customer Journeys

This was mentioned above when referring to target audiences. Setting up automated flows with triggers and jump points that vary based on user action can really set you apart from others that just send one email a month and are done. 

Sure, customer journeys take some time to set up and require that you have content to feed it, but once they’re established, you don’t have a ton of work to continue to do on your end. 

Not all customer journeys have to be sales-dependent either. It can be based on signing up for a newsletter, coming in from your website, jumping in from social media, and whether or not they downloaded free material. Whatever the case may be, try and use it to your advantage.

Generating regular emails that convert isn’t easy. The most important thing to do if you haven't already is just to consider and start using email marketing. From there, it’s a matter of implementing our suggestions above and working from there. If you’re having trouble getting going or need more tactical direction, Onya would be happy to help. Reach out today to learn more!

5 Ways to Maximize ROI from Email Marketing