Category: Homepage Featured

multi-colored threads for sewing in the form of a rainbow pass through an antique needle on a black background close-up

Threads App: Do You Need to Use It?

November 1, 2023

Threads has been around for a few months now. So, is it worth using or not?

In July of 2023, Mark Zuckerberg and his team at META created a new microblogging platform—Threads. Attached to the Instagram app, Threads allows users to share real-time updates in the form of 500-character posts, links, photos, and videos up to five minutes long.

If you or your business aren’t on Threads yet, the question remains: should you be? There are a few things to consider:

1. Who is Your Audience?

When thinking about venturing into new platforms, one thing to consider is the audience you’re marketing to. Threads was created in response to decreasing numbers on X (previously known as “Twitter”), as META was looking to capitalize on users searching for a new place to engage in open conversation. The audience Threads attracts is primarily young, mostly Gen Z. If that doesn’t sound like your audience, Threads may not be the right choice for your business.

2. What Content Does Your Audience Engage With?

Take into consideration what content and platforms your audience already enjoys. Is your company active on X? Is microblogging something they are receptive to and apt to interact with? Do they interact more with visual content, such as that found on Instagram? Figuring out what form of media fits your audience’s interests can help you to identify if a new social platform such as Threads is worth investing time in or not. 

3. What Are the Benefits of Using New Platforms?

When deciding if a new form of social media is right for your business, it is important to look at how the features of the platform would benefit you and slot in with your pre-existing social media. Threads allows you to connect with your Instagram followers but in a new way. You can engage with all of your same audience, but with less of an emphasis on the visual content. 

For example, if your business’ Instagram has high engagement but utilizes a curated feed, Threads would be a way to communicate information, photos, or ideas that don’t fit into your normal posts, but will still reach that same, active audience. Using Threads can also cut out the middle man when it comes to linked content, allowing your links to live within their own posts and get more interaction and engagement. 

4. Is This a Trend, or a Long-Term Solution?

The last thing to take into consideration before opening a new account is the cycle of trends. When platforms are first launched, they tend to get a lot of interaction because of their newness. Early reports on Threads indicate that its numbers are dwindling already since its initial launch, and will likely continue on a downward trend. Creating new social media is a large time investment––think of the strategy, graphics, copy, and nurturing your follower base.All of this may not be worth it if the app does not show longevity. With an 80% drop in daily users, Threads might not be the most successful platform to jump into without a specific reason. 

If you, however, decide that Threads is right for your business, it will offer an entirely new space to interact with your audience. So, now is as good time as any to start brainstorming ways you could diversify your content on this new platform. 

Still have questions? We’re here to help you reach your audience and navigate social media advertising. Connect with us to learn more.

Magnifying Glass on white computer keyboard on white desktop with accessories.

Google’s Changes to FAQ and HowTo Results: What Website Owners Need to Know

October 10, 2023

As of September 2023, Google reduced the visibility of FAQ and HowTo information in its search results. If you haven’t seen the impact of this decision on your website’s traffic yet, here is everything digital marketers and website owners should know if considering rethinking their strategy.

FAQ Results

Google now limits the regular display of FAQ-rich results to well-known and authoritative websites, primarily in the government and health sectors. Google’s algorithm will determine which websites fall into these categories.

HowTo Results

Attempting to simplify search results, Google no longer shows HowTo rich results on desktop or mobile devices. For this reason, this search result type has significantly lost its value.

What Changes Do You Need to Make

If your site features structured data, you don’t have to proactively remove it. Though it has no visible effects in Google Search, it’s not going to cause any problems either. FAQ and HowTo Schema markup may also continue to be useful for other search engines, aiding in content indexing and rich result display in SERPs.

Impact on Website Traffic

Google doesn’t consider this global update a ranking change, so the effects of FAQ’s and HowTo’s reduced visibility remain to be fully felt. Most likely, the removal of these sections from SERPs will lead to more search results displayed on a single screen, increasing the competition for clicks. Website owners who currently employ FAQ and HowTo Schema markup should prepare for potential traffic fluctuations, which may vary based on context and the type of website you have. 

Staying up-to-date on Google’s updates and closely monitoring your website’s performance can help you effectively adapt to the evolving search result dynamics. And with 5 Horizons, you can always stay on top of digital marketing industry trends.

Panel discussion in conference room.

Why We Love Conferences: How Conferences Can Benefit Your Business

September 18, 2023

Five reasons why we think conferences are a successful investment for business development and employee growth–and the five conferences we love the most.

Conferences provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in industry updates, surround yourself with peers in your field, and network with potential clients. They are an incredibly useful tool for business development and can aid in the skill growth of your employees.

Our Top Five Reasons Why Conferences Are a Successful Investment

  1. Conferences are an investment in your team’s professional development of skills and knowledge
  2. Conferences offer the opportunity to network with other professionals or companies
  3. Conferences are the epicenter of cutting-edge news within your industry
  4. Conferences provide an atmosphere for fostering new or existing client relationships
  5. Conferences are the perfect environment for sharing your expertise with others in your industry through presentations, talks, or vendor fairs

The Top Five Conferences We Love the Most

In our line of work, there are plenty of digital marketing conferences to attend, a few of which we list below. However, we also consider our client base when choosing what conferences to attend––and we suggest you do too!

Our top conferences include:

  1. Adobe Max––creativity conference sponsored by Adobe Inc.
  2. SMX Advanced––search marketing conference
  3. Content Marketing World––largest content creation conference
  4. MozCon––search and digital marketing conference
  5. UPCEA––higher education conference 

Conferences are tremendously useful events for networking, brand awareness, and business development. For each conference we attend, we create a different strategy, depending on what our goals are and which team members we are sending to attend.

Colorful Birthday Cupcake with Sparkler

10 Things We’ve Discovered Running a Digital Marketing Agency in 10 Years of Business

September 6, 2023

This September, 5 Horizons is excited to celebrate 10 years of business! This last decade has been full of growth and learning. We’ve worked with nearly 100 clients in over 10 different industries. 

From higher education and senior living, to real estate and healthcare, we have delivered cutting-edge websites, strategic campaigns, and eye-catching designs. Our team has grown into a powerhouse of data, strategy, and creative experts, constantly pushing the boundaries of modern aesthetics and techniques.

With a decade of experience, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 lessons that have kept our company strong:

1. Always Keep Learning

Technology and media are always changing, so it’s important to keep an eye on new software, tools, and trends. There will always be something new to learn, test, or explore. Don’t let complacency stop you from growing.

2. Keep An Eye On The Trends

Knowing your audience and what is catching their eye will help you jump on the trends that will make the biggest splash. What works for the masses may not always work for your business model, but it’s smart to keep an eye on what trends are taking center stage. Specifically, pay attention to the content that resonates most with your unique audience. 

3. Blaze Your Own Trail

On the other hand, trends come and go every day. Never be afraid to try something new or push the boundaries with new techniques. Your brand, voice, style, and quality of work are what set you apart from your competitors. Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled.

4. Client Communication is Key

The key to successful client relationships is clear and consistent communication. Honoring the partnership you have with your clients will always pay off with trust and loyalty. Digital marketing isn’t magic, but establishing a healthy client partnership will allow you to work together to find success.

5. Lean On Your Community

As a company that has grown from four employees to 20, our community of friends, family, and professional colleagues have been our foundation for success. We are proud to be located in the greater Boston area, nestled in the South Shore city of Braintree. This local pride gives us a deeper understanding of legacy and commitment that many of our clients relate with.

6. Never Stop Building Your Network

You never know where you’ll meet your next client. Be kind, courteous, and open to new connections wherever you are. Don’t shy away from talking about the company, the work, or the team culture––you could be speaking to a future client, referral, or employee.

7. Play the Long Game

Some clients take years to manifest from casual encounters to dedicated partners. You never know when a brief conversation could loop back around years later to become a lucrative connection. Stay in touch when you’re able and let them know you’re always open to a conversation when they’re ready.

8. Be Authentic

We all work in marketing. We know a gimmick when we see one. Which is why authenticity is the greatest skill you can offer your clients, your employees, and your community.

9. Rely On Your Team

Shifting our focus from a small start-up to an established agency meant hiring the right people and growing a strong team of experts to rely on. With more voices at the table, our quality of work constantly expands with fresh ideas and new skills in a collaborative environment.

10. Have Fun

5 Horizons is a business, but at the end of the day we are a team of human beings. If we’re not enjoying what we do and who we are working with, then it won’t be sustainable. We are a hard working team, but we also encourage adding a healthy dose of fun to every work day.

We are thrilled to hit the one decade mark as a digital marketing agency. And we’re thrilled to enter the next decade of business with our dedicated clients and talented team of employees.

– Pat Riley & Ben Sandman