Author name: Treefrog Editorial Team

Insights from the senior strategists at Treefrog Inc., a full-service marketing agency founded in 1989 in Newmarket, Ontario. We write about marketing strategy, pipeline, revenue operations and AI for growing companies.

Marketing Strategy

Faster Funnels Outperform Bigger Funnels

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The short answer: Growth rarely stalls because of lead volume; it stalls because of speed. Faster funnels remove friction between stages through quick follow-up, clear qualification, consistent messaging and supported decisions. HubSpot data shows contacting inbound leads within five minutes makes them up to nine times more likely to convert, and Bain found better sales cycle efficiency can drive 10 to 20 percent revenue growth without more leads.

When growth stalls, most organizations instinctively try to fix the top of the funnel.

More campaigns + More channels = More leads. Right? 

The logic feels sound. If revenue isn’t increasing fast enough, the assumption is that there simply isn’t enough activity feeding the system. But here’s the thing: in practice, growth rarely breaks because of volume. It breaks because of speed.

Companies that outperform their peers don’t win by doing more. They win by moving faster.

The Illusion of Scale at the Top

A growing funnel looks impressive when you see lead counts rise, traffic increases, dashboards show upward trends.  A lot of activity creates confidence, even when revenue doesn’t follow.

This is why bigger funnels feel like progress.

Faster funnels are harder to see. They require looking at how quickly opportunities move, where they stall, and how long it actually takes for intent to turn into revenue. Those answers are less comfortable because they expose friction instead of celebrating activity. We all know the drill. You launch a massive lead-gen campaign, the pipeline dashboard looks great for a month, and then…crickets. The work isn’t happening on the front end; it’s happening in the messy middle.

So, most teams just optimize what’s easiest to measure and quietly accept inefficiency deeper in the funnel.

What a Faster Funnel Actually Means

A faster funnel doesn’t mean pressuring buyers or cutting corners. It means removing unnecessary friction between stages. You know, the stuff that makes your team groan.

Funnel speed is influenced by a small number of critical factors:

  • How quickly inbound interest is followed up.
  • How clearly leads are qualified.
  • How consistent the messaging is from first touch to close.
  • How efficiently decisions are supported.

Most organizations focus almost entirely on increasing the number of leads entering the funnel and far less on how effectively those leads move through it.

Salesforce research shows that 79 percent of marketing leads never convert into sales, often due to poor qualification and slow follow-up. Increasing volume without addressing speed simply increases waste. It’s just more garbage in, more garbage out.

Speed Creates a Measurable Advantage

Speed matters more than many leadership teams realize.

McKinsey research has found that companies with faster decision-making and execution cycles are up to twice as likely to achieve above-average financial performance. The advantage doesn’t come from just having better ideas. It comes from shortening the distance between insight and action.

Slow funnels create hidden costs:

  • Deals stall while buyers wait for clarity.
  • Sales teams spend time chasing low-intent opportunities.
  • Marketing budgets increase to compensate for inefficiency.
  • Forecasting becomes unreliable.

None of these problems are solved by adding more leads.

Where Funnels Commonly Slow Down

In most organizations, funnel friction shows up in predictable places.

Handoffs between marketing and sales are unclear.

Follow-up takes days instead of hours.

Messaging changes between funnel stages.

Decision-makers enter the process too late.

HubSpot data shows that companies that contact inbound leads within five minutes are up to nine times more likely to convert them than those that wait longer. Speed at moments of intent creates outsized returns.

Yet, many organizations accept slow response times as normal because the sheer volume of leads hides the problem. It’s easier to blame the lead quality than the internal process.

Why Faster Funnels Compound Growth

Speed compounds in ways volume doesn’t.

Faster movement produces faster feedback. Faster feedback improves targeting and messaging. Clearer messaging shortens sales cycles. Shorter cycles free up capacity. That capacity fuels the next stage of growth.

Bain & Company has found that companies that improve sales cycle efficiency can drive 10 to 20 percent revenue growth without increasing lead volume at all.

This is why faster funnels outperform bigger ones. They improve performance across the entire system, not just at the top.

Why Bigger Funnels Feel Safer Than Faster Ones

Improving funnel speed requires coordination.

It forces alignment between marketing, sales, and leadership. It exposes unclear ownership and deferred decisions. It requires teams to work together instead of optimizing in separate silos.

Bigger funnels allow teams to stay in their lanes. Faster funnels require shared accountability.

That’s why many organizations delay addressing speed. Not because it’s unclear what to do, but because it’s uncomfortable.

What High Growth Teams Measure Instead

Organizations that prioritize funnel speed track different signals:

  • Time to first response
  • Time between funnel stages
  • Opportunity aging
  • Win rates by segment
  • Time from intent to revenue

These metrics don’t flatter. They inform.

Gartner research shows that organizations that actively manage funnel velocity are significantly more likely to hit revenue targets than those that focus primarily on top-of-funnel metrics.

Bigger Funnels Create Activity. Faster Funnels Create Growth.

A large funnel can hide inefficiency for a long time. A fast funnel cannot.

In competitive markets, the company that learns and moves faster wins, even if it starts with fewer opportunities.

Growth isn’t about how much demand you generate. It’s about how effectively you convert intent into outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

What is a faster sales funnel?

One with less friction between stages, not more pressure on buyers. Speed depends on how quickly inbound interest is followed up, how clearly leads are qualified, how consistent messaging stays and how efficiently decisions are supported.

How fast should you respond to inbound leads?

As fast as possible. HubSpot data shows companies that contact inbound leads within five minutes are up to nine times more likely to convert them than those that wait longer.

Where do B2B sales funnels usually slow down?

Unclear handoffs between marketing and sales, follow-up that takes days instead of hours, messaging that changes between stages, and decision-makers entering the process too late.

What funnel metrics should B2B teams track?

Time to first response, time between funnel stages, opportunity aging, win rates by segment and time from intent to revenue. Gartner research shows teams that actively manage funnel velocity are significantly more likely to hit revenue targets.

The Cost of Delays
Business Strategy

The Cost of Delay: The Growth Metric Every CEO Overlooks

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The short answer: The cost of delay is the value a business loses while a decision waits: missed revenue, workarounds that harden into process and assumptions that never get tested. It rarely appears on a dashboard, but it compounds. Once hiring and ramp-up time are counted, a single delayed senior hire can push real impact out by nearly a year.

Most leadership teams track revenue closely. Many also track pipeline value, conversion rates, and customer acquisition cost. Very few track delay. This happens not because delay is unimportant, but because it is harder to see. It does not show up as a line item in a budget or a chart on a dashboard. Yet over time, it quietly becomes one of the most expensive forces inside a growing organization.

When companies struggle to scale, the issue is often not poor strategy. It is slow movement caused by a marketing structure built for activity instead of outcomes.

Why Delay Feels Like the Responsible Choice

Delay is usually framed as caution. Leaders want more data. They want alignment. They want confidence before committing resources. In uncertain markets, that instinct feels reasonable.

But delay is not neutral. McKinsey research has found that companies that make decisions quickly are 2.5 times more likely to outperform their peers in revenue growth and profitability. The reason is not that fast decisions are always correct. It is that speed creates learning, and learning drives better decisions over time. Waiting, by contrast, creates no feedback. It only preserves uncertainty.

What Delay Really Costs Your Organization

The cost of delay is rarely just missed revenue in the short term. It compounds in ways that are harder to see:

  • Opportunity Cost: According to Bain and Company, companies that delay bringing new initiatives to market can lose up to 40 percent of the potential economic value of those initiatives. 
  • Organizational Drag: When leaders wait, teams do not. They improvise. Temporary workarounds become standard operating procedures. Inefficiencies settle in and become harder to unwind later. 
  • Strategic Blindness: Harvard Business Review has noted that prolonged planning without execution often causes leadership teams to become more confident in assumptions that have never been tested in the market. The longer execution is delayed, the more expensive it becomes to reverse course.

Delay Often Shows Up as a Hiring Problem

One of the most common places delay hides is in the hiring process. Organizations know they need support but hesitate. They want the perfect role definition. They want the ideal candidate. They want certainty that the hire will fix the problem.

Meanwhile, growth slows. LinkedIn workforce data shows that the average time to hire for senior marketing roles is three to four months. Gartner research indicates that it often takes six to nine additional months for those hires to reach full productivity.

That means a single delayed hiring decision can push meaningful impact out by nearly a year. This is why many companies turn to external growth partners during scaling phases. It is not just about cost. It is about reducing the time between a strategic decision and market momentum.

Reducing Risk Through Forward Motion

Many leaders believe delay lowers risk. In practice, it often does the opposite. Gartner reports that more than 70 percent of growth initiatives fail due to execution issues rather than flawed strategy. One of the most common contributors is waiting too long to establish clear ownership.

When decisions are postponed, they eventually get made under pressure. Hiring becomes reactive. Initiatives are rushed. Accountability is unclear. Execution suffers. Moving sooner does not eliminate risk. It distributes it over time and makes it manageable.

Measuring What Most Teams Ignore

High-performing organizations focus on shortening the distance between decision and learning. They ask questions that target the root causes of delay:

  • Who ultimately owns growth prioritization today?
  • Where does execution slow down once priorities are set?
  • What breaks in your current structure when things get busy?

Speed is not recklessness. It is disciplined learning. Bain research shows that companies that prioritize speed to market and rapid experimentation generate significantly higher returns on strategic initiatives than those that wait for certainty.

Delay Is Still a Strategy

Every organization has a delay strategy, whether it acknowledges it or not. Choosing to wait is still a decision. In competitive markets, it is often the most expensive one you can make.

Growth does not require impulsive action. It requires a marketing structure built to drive business outcomes. Leaders who understand the cost of delay focus on building systems that allow for momentum.

Is your marketing team built to drive business growth? The first step to eliminating delay is identifying where your structure is working against you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of delay in business?

It is the value lost while a decision waits. It shows up as opportunity cost, organizational drag as teams improvise workarounds, and strategic blindness as untested assumptions harden. Bain and Company found that delaying new initiatives can cost up to 40 percent of their potential economic value.

Why do leadership teams overlook delay?

Because delay feels like caution and never appears as a line item. Leaders wait for more data, alignment or the perfect hire, but waiting creates no feedback. It only preserves uncertainty.

How does delay show up in hiring?

Senior marketing roles typically take three to four months to fill, according to LinkedIn workforce data, and Gartner research suggests another six to nine months to reach full productivity. A delayed hiring decision can push meaningful impact out by nearly a year.

How do you reduce the cost of delay?

Shorten the distance between decision and learning. Establish clear ownership of growth priorities, find where execution slows once priorities are set, and fix what breaks in your structure when things get busy.

Marketing Strategy

Why “More Leads” Feels Safe and Growth Doesn’t

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The short answer: More leads feels safe because lead counts are easy to report, but volume rarely produces growth. Adding leads to a high-friction funnel overwhelms sales, buries strong opportunities and amplifies inefficiency, and most B2B marketers already rank lead quality above quantity. Measure momentum instead: response time, speed from first conversation to opportunity, where deals stall and time to revenue.

When growth slows, the first instinct in many organizations is to ask for more leads.

It is a familiar request. It feels practical. It gives teams something tangible to pursue and something easy to report on. Lead counts go up, dashboards look healthier, and it appears as though momentum is building.

But in many cases, nothing meaningful actually changes.

Revenue does not accelerate. Sales cycles do not shorten. The pressure inside the funnel quietly increases, even as the numbers at the top look better than ever.

This is why “more leads” feels safe. And it is also why it so often fails to produce growth.

The Comfort of Measurable Activity

Leads are attractive because they are visible. They are easy to count and easy to explain in a meeting. When asked what marketing is doing, a rising lead number provides a quick answer.

Growth, by contrast, is harder to summarize. It is not just about how much activity exists, but about how efficiently that activity converts into revenue. It forces questions that are less comfortable to answer.

  • Are we attracting the right buyers or just more buyers
  • Do we know where deals stall and why
  • Is our message clear enough to move decisions forward
  • Are sales and marketing aligned on what qualified actually means

Those questions do not fit neatly into a single metric. They require examination of systems, not just performance.

So teams default to volume.

What the Data Actually Says

Interestingly, most experienced marketers already know this instinct is flawed.

Multiple industry studies over the last few years show that a strong majority of B2B marketers now believe lead quality is more important than lead quantity. In surveys from sources like HubSpot and Demand Gen Report, improving lead quality consistently outranks increasing lead volume as a priority.

Yet behavior has not fully caught up to belief.

Organizations still reward teams for top-of-funnel growth, even when downstream conversion remains flat. This creates a disconnect. Activity is rewarded. Outcomes lag behind.

When More Leads Make Things Worse

There is a point where additional leads stop being neutral and start becoming harmful.

Sales teams get overwhelmed and slow their follow-up. Strong opportunities get lost among poor-fit ones. Marketing hears complaints about quality, while sales leadership pushes for even more volume to compensate.

Internally, teams become busy instead of effective.

This is not a people problem. It is a systems problem. Volume is being added to a funnel that was never designed to handle it.

According to research from Gartner, one of the most common reasons revenue teams underperform is not lack of demand, but friction between stages of the buying journey. Adding more leads into a high-friction system simply amplifies inefficiency.

Why Growth Feels Riskier Than Volume

Growth forces decisions.

It requires choosing which customers matter most and which ones do not. It demands clarity around positioning and tradeoffs around focus. It exposes operational weaknesses that volume can hide.

That makes growth feel risky.

Volume, on the other hand, allows organizations to delay those decisions. It creates the illusion of progress while avoiding structural change.

But avoiding decisions does not remove risk. It just defers it.

Over time, the cost shows up as stalled revenue, burned-out teams, and missed market windows.

The Shift From Volume to Momentum

Companies that grow consistently do not obsess over how many leads they generate. They focus on how quickly and predictably those leads turn into revenue.

They pay attention to things like:

  • How long it takes to respond to inbound interest
  • How quickly leads move from first conversation to real opportunity
  • Where deals slow down or drop out
  • How long revenue takes to materialize after intent is expressed

These are not vanity metrics. They are indicators of momentum.

Momentum compounds. Faster feedback improves messaging. Clearer messaging shortens sales cycles. Shorter cycles free up capacity. That capacity fuels the next stage of growth.

Volume without momentum creates noise. Momentum, even at lower volume, creates leverage.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Markets are moving faster. Buyers are more informed. Competition is rarely limited to a short list anymore.

In that environment, the companies that win are not the ones with the biggest funnels. They are the ones that learn fastest and act fastest.

Speed of learning beats scale of activity.

This is why so many high-performing organizations are rethinking how they measure marketing success. They are shifting attention away from raw lead counts and toward conversion, velocity, and cost of delay.

A Better Question for Leadership Teams

Instead of asking how many leads were generated last quarter, a better question is this:

How efficiently are we turning interest into revenue, and where are we slowing ourselves down?

That question leads to better decisions. It exposes real constraints. And it creates the conditions for sustainable growth.

More leads will always feel safe. Growth rarely does.

But the organizations willing to choose clarity over comfort are the ones that build real momentum, not just bigger dashboards.

Ready to Build Real Momentum? Book a 15-Minute Strategy Session to align your sales and marketing efforts on high-velocity growth.

Frequently asked questions

Is lead quality more important than lead quantity?

For most B2B companies, yes. Surveys from sources like HubSpot and Demand Gen Report show improving lead quality consistently outranks increasing lead volume as a priority for B2B marketers.

Can more leads hurt growth?

Yes. Past a point, extra leads overwhelm sales, slow follow-up, bury strong opportunities among poor-fit ones and create friction between marketing and sales.

What should replace lead volume as a marketing KPI?

Momentum indicators: how long it takes to respond to inbound interest, how quickly leads become real opportunities, where deals slow down or drop out, and how long revenue takes after intent is expressed.

What should leadership ask instead of how many leads were generated?

How efficiently are we turning interest into revenue, and where are we slowing ourselves down?

Navigating tariffs for Canadian businesses
Business Strategy

Navigating Tariffs: A Canadian Odyssey in Commerce

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Navigating Tariffs for Canadian Businesses: The Shifting Trade Landscape

In the grand tapestry of international commerce, Canada has long held a dignified seat at the banquet of trade. However, the recent imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods entering the United States has disrupted this balance, posing a significant challenge for manufacturers and digital sellers alike. While these tariffs may seem like a dire blow to transnational business, they also present opportunities for those prepared to adapt.

The Immediate Impact: Profit Margins Under Pressure

The most immediate consequence of these tariffs is a contraction in profit margins. Canadian businesses now face higher costs, forcing them to reassess pricing strategies and operational efficiencies. Retreat is not an option—sustaining market presence requires innovation, agility, and a strategic approach to cost management.

Strategic Adaptation: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Enduring tariffs is not just an exercise in resilience but a calculated chess match. Businesses must position themselves strategically for success in a post-tariff world. This involves:

  • Optimizing Operations: Identifying efficiencies in production, logistics, and supply chain management.
  • Strengthening Customer Relationships: Maintaining engagement and loyalty through consistent communication and value-driven offerings.
  • Enhancing Market Presence: Staying visible and competitive to safeguard brand equity.

Exploring Global Markets: Diversification as a Growth Strategy

While the U.S. remains an essential trade partner, the global marketplace offers untapped potential. Businesses can mitigate tariff risks by expanding into regions with fewer trade barriers, thereby diversifying revenue streams and fostering localized innovations. Optimizing supply chains to accommodate global demand can enhance resilience and reduce dependence on a single market.

Balancing Short-Term Challenges with Long-Term Growth

Successfully navigating tariffs requires a delicate balance between addressing immediate operational constraints and planning for future opportunities. Businesses that refine their strategies, streamline costs, and explore new markets will be well-positioned to capitalize when tariffs ease.

A Future Beyond Tariffs

Though the fiscal landscape may seem clouded by tariffs, a long-term perspective focused on enduring business growth ensures a strong return on investment. By embracing efficiency, market diversification, and strategic foresight, Canadian businesses can not only withstand the current challenges but emerge stronger in a post-tariff era.

2022 digital transformation agency
Technology Strategy

The Era of Advanced Digital Transformation

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While Tesla made waves with the introduction of commercially available electric transportation, heralding a shift in automotive trends, Treefrog has been at the forefront of championing a different kind of revolution: the continuous journey of Digital Transformation. As we step further into 2024, this journey has evolved, adapting to post-COVID realities and the ever-changing digital landscape.

Navigating the Digital Frontier

We’ve moved far beyond the initial phases of the digital era, often compared to the transition from film cameras to digital. Today’s challenge lies in the ongoing process of transformation – a dynamic, active journey. Treefrog stands as a guide and partner for businesses, navigating through this ever-evolving digital terrain.

The Essence of Digital Transformation

The concept of ‘digital’ encompasses a vast array of changes and practices. It’s an umbrella term that includes embracing advanced technologies, engaging in digital communication, expanding global trading, and adapting to remote work. Treefrog interprets Digital Transformation as a holistic change, integral for businesses to maintain relevance and edge in the competitive market.

Challenges and Opportunities

Digital Transformation is nuanced, offering both challenges and opportunities. It redefines customer satisfaction, efficiency, and work dynamics. This transformation requires a delicate balance, merging traditional values with innovative digital practices and catering to diverse employee and customer preferences.

Digital Disruption and Organizational Change

The role of corporate strategy and organizational culture is being redefined under the influence of Digital Transformation. It’s not just a technological shift but a cultural one, impacting the very fabric of businesses. This is a new chapter in the evolution of work and industry, necessitating adaptability and forward-thinking.

Strategic Digital Integration

The current landscape is not just about adopting digital tools; it’s about embedding digital thinking into the core of business processes. This involves a comprehensive overhaul of how businesses operate and interact with customers, marking a significant shift in the approach to work and customer engagement.

Embracing the Future of Digital Transformation

In today’s world, adopting a digital-first strategy is essential for survival and growth. The transition includes embracing innovative technologies like AI, robotics, and drones. Treefrog is dedicated to guiding businesses through this transformative era, ensuring they are well-positioned to thrive in the advanced stages of the Digital Revolution.

Technology Strategy

Top 5 Benefits of Generative AI For Your Business

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Generative AI is not just some passing trend. It has emerged as a game-changer in the business world, offering numerous benefits that can streamline the operations of any enterprise. So, let’s explore the top five benefits of using generative AI for your business.

Automating Repetitive Tasks

Many routine tasks – such as data entry, report generation, and data analysis – can be tedious, repetitive, and time-consuming. However, with the advent of generative AI technology, these tasks can be automated, freeing up time for you to focus on higher value tasks. Automating repetitive operations can significantly enhance productivity and optimize available time, be it for work on new projects or providing better customer service. By automating these menial tasks, you can improve your bottom line revenue. This automation can also greatly reduce the likelihood of human error and increase efficiency, benefiting the overall productivity of the organization.

Personalized User Experiences

With the rise of big data, we are now seeing a massive increase in the availability of customer data. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, generative AI can sort this data to create personalized user experiences for customers. Generative AI analyzes customer interactions and behaviour history, allowing you to offer recommendations and tailor their services to fit customers’ preferences accurately. Personalization changes customer experience from being generic to fulfilling and ultimately promotes customer satisfaction and retention. You can easily gather insights and gain a more comprehensive understanding of customer behaviour by analyzing large data sets rather than manually entering data or using surveys. This is also called a Customer Data Platform (CDP).

Improved Customer Service

Generative AI is disrupting traditional customer service channels by providing more personalized and intuitive interactions. Algorithms are designed to understand the nuances of human speech to offer valuable solutions to customer queries quickly. Generative AI-powered chatbots, which are becoming increasingly common, offer you a way to provide real-time assistance without canned responses. AI chatbots can personalize their responses according to the provided customer information. These chatbots not only offer an experience that feels human but is also more efficient. Chatbots can reduce wait times, increasing both customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.

Better Quality Control

One of the most significant challenges in the manufacturing industry is quality control, as products can experience faults or defects in various stages of production. Generative AI-powered tools can provide digital feedback and insight on product quality control. AI algorithms can process large amounts of manufacturing data in real-time, detecting issues and initiating corrective action promptly. This capability helps businesses improve product quality, reduce customer complaints, and enhance customer experience overall.

Cost-Effective Operations

By automating routine tasks, generative AI-powered automation substantially reduces operational costs, enabling efficient cost-cutting. Additionally, it can improve the productivity of operational processes, saving time and resources. AI-powered predictive analytics can offer relevant insights for informed decision-making, reducing waste and expenses resulting from poor decision-making. Generative AI technology enables businesses to optimize costs while magnifying operational efficiency, guaranteeing profitability in the long run.

Want to get started?

Treefrog can help you integrate generative AI into your business operations that will significantly improve and transform your current processes. As this technology develops and evolves, it promises even more opportunities for businesses to remain innovative and competitive in their markets.

how to write for seo
Marketing Strategy

SEO Copywriting in 2022: How To Write Articles That Rank

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In the history of Treefrog, and indeed of the Internet, there was a time when you might have asked: “Should you hire a website pro or do it yourself?” For there was a time when building your own website was a real option. But in 2022 this vocation has become very professionalized, including SEO writing. DIY websites have gone the way of log cabins. Quaint, yes – and historically significant. But there are reasons that people stopped building that way! 

The History of Writing

More about SEO writing after we chase a little deeper down this rabbit hole. There were times when writing was on tablets! The ancient Sumerians etched onto wet clay with sharp sticks, then burned the clay tablet in a fire so that the content would never be lost. Then writing changed again, as Codex came into common use. Hey, the Nile was the first “papyrus valley” – long before Silicon Valley was opened up.

In 2022, websites are an integral part of the rapidly growing ecology of IT. Have you ever marvelled at how fast search engines like Google can answer your questions? Do you use other social media platforms like Facebook or Gettr? Do you tweet, or post your photos on Instagram? We all watch videos on Youtube. We upload our songs to Spotify. This virtual universe is spreading out fast from the initial Big Bang of email.

How to Write For SEO

Believe it or not, these social media dots are all being connected. No more is each website a stand-alone “silo”. For example, the way that your website is built will determine how fast it advances to the head of the queue on Google. This goal is becoming a paramount concern as businesses move towards the “new normal” of trading on the Internet. That move to trading on-line is Treefrog’s core business. Treefrog is no longer just a website builder, it has moved far beyond that. Clients who want to migrate to trading on-line need heavy doses of SEO writing, embedded in their websites.

The Fundamentals of SEO

Businesses want to be at the top of the list that Google presents when you ask it a question. The determinant of who floats to the head of that line-up is built into an optimal website, in terms of Google’s internal scoring system. DIY website builders probably do not understand this critical link as well as Treefrog does. This is not about “trade secrets” as much as about expertise and integration. In 2022, a website must connect very well with the other dots in the IT universe. Treefrog deploys skilled SEO writers in its overall team of technicians. There is more to creating content for websites that just good writing. This now involves a working knowledge of how search engines work.  SEO means “search engine optimization”. Writing website content involves both copywriting and some critical technical calculations as well. Check out our article on the basics of SEO to help you get started.

Building Your Story

It’s sort of like building a really fine restaurant out in the middle of nowhere. You may serve the very best cuisine and wines, but nobody knows it’s out there. They say that the three most important criteria when starting a restaurant are 1. Location 2. Location and 3. Location. Likewise, a website will be most visited when it is easy-to-read and interesting, while certain keywords and “tags” are also embedded in the text. Search engines are robots, after all. They count. If those hidden signals are not there in the content, you have a restaurant serving great food in a terrible location.

Getting to the front of the Google line-up can make a huge difference to your business volumes. And search engines are very predictable – if you know how to get to the front of the queue. There are many tricks, different devices and tips to make this happen. Their importance should not be underestimated.

SEO Formatting and Headings

Reading an article online is similar to reading a newspaper article. Remember newspapers? They are specifically formatted to guide your eyes and make it efficient for the reader to understand without effort. Digital articles, such as the one you’re reading if you had made it this far, are designed to be read on a scrolling screen. Do not write long running paragraphs and use descriptive headings to guide the reader. Keep it simple. 

Create a table of contents. Use one H1 tag for your title and multiple H2 tags for your headings. You will also notice this article links various keywords to other articles we have written on SEO. This is known as passing SEO equity to other pages on our website, but more importantly, it keeps the reader engaged so they stay on your website longer.

Natural Writing Makes Great SEO Articles. Do Not Force Keywords (Stuffing).

A good website is but one cell in a broad honeycomb – it is not a stand-alone. What defines “good” in IT terms is that Google will direct customers to that URL first. So there is more to writing great articles for websites than meets the eye. It also involves embedding signals that help search engines to award the URL priority over competitors. You can dive deeper into this topic with our top 4 SEO tips.

For example, did you know that the “keyword” in this article is “SEO writing”. And that the three other tags are “SEO, writing”, and “content”? Guess what? The keyword is repeated four times. The three tags are repeated twelve times. That’s what the search engines count amongst other signals. Hopefully you found this article interesting and informative as well?

content marketing
Marketing Strategy

Marketing Strategy Planner for 2022

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It’s almost the end of the year, and you know what that means, its time to start thinking about your marketing strategy for 2022. When it comes to planning for the new year, people tend to forget that it’s better to start now than already the new year.

When developing your strategy, you need to be asking yourself some important questions, such as what worked this year and what didn’t and what you need to focus on to grow your business?

We’ve been sharing this planner for many years, and this year we’ve made it even better. So make sure to download it below and if you’re looking for more marketing tips for 2022, check out our blog post on Digital Marketing Trends to Watch Out for in 2022.

content marketing

Treefrog’s Marketing Strategy Planner for 2022

We’ve ensured that our marketing strategy planner simple, free and easy to use. We recommend that you use this plan as your guide to planning your marketing strategy for your business in 2022.

Treefrog is Here to Help

Want help with your 2022 marketing strategy? The digital marketing experts at Treefrog are here to help you with your strategy or any other tactics your business needs for 2022. We can help you design, build and execute your plan and make sure it’s aligned with your budget and business goals.

Fill out the form below, and your copy of the 2022 Marketing Strategy Planner will be emailed to you.

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epicor vs SAP
Technology Strategy

Epicor Integration vs SAP Integration: Which is the Better ERP Software for Your Business

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Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is critical for businesses to compete in today’s competitive business environment. With the industry becoming more competitive, it can be hard to decide which ERP software is the best for your business.

We’ll be putting Epicor Integration and SAP Integration up against each other to see which one is the better software for your business. Take a read-through of the pros and cons of both software to decide which one is right for your company.

Software Overview

Epicor Integration

Epicor is a premier enterprise system ideal for manufacturers, distributors, and professional service providers. Epicor is tailored for industry-specific functions and has a full range of services, including supply chain management, accounting, and invoices paid and received. Ideal for mid-market businesses, Epicor is your unified, integrated software solution.

SAP Integration

SAP ERP business software has four decades of experience. Its intelligent technologies and leadership in business processes make it the perfect choice for any business. SAP is not just for large companies. Many small and midsize companies also use this software.

Functionality

Though both of these platforms have various functionalities, Epicor beats SAP when it comes to certain functionalities. Epicor has shown more financial, HR, inventory, purchasing and quality management functionality than the industry average and SAP Business One platform. This makes Epicor the superior platform for functionality, though that doesn’t mean SAP won’t work for you. SAP only falls short for manufacturers and distributors.

Simplicity

Both systems will require training and effort on your part, but it is well worth it for the benefits your business will receive from integrating one of these platforms. Epicor is seen as the more straightforward platform to learn, as it doesn’t require the in-depth coding that SAP does, and you can often achieve your goals with minor customization. SAP is a great platform. Still, it does require customization and coding that make it less user-friendly.

Ownership Cost

Ownership cost depends on the amount of customization and coding you will need. Since SAP requires a lot of customization, it is not the cheapest program to use. This also makes it not ideal for small businesses. Epicor, on the other hand, is more cost-effective due to its functionality and easy-to-use platform. Making Epicor ideal for small to midsize companies looking to expand their business cost-effectively.

Conclusion

Both platforms are powerhouses in the ERP industry, and both have pros and cons, so before you choose one, make sure you do your research. Whatever platform you choose for your business, you will notice a massive difference in your business and growth.

Are you Ready?

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Treefrog has helped a variety of companies integrate their online store with their ERP. Let our team of experts help your business. We are here, guiding you through every step of the way.

Give us a call at 647-370-4602; our team of experts is ready to help!

email marketing
Marketing Strategy

Four Effective Email Marketing Techniques

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In recent years, email marketing has gone down due to social media and paid ads. In reality, email marketing is still regarded as one of the most efficient ways to reach your customers today and increase sales. To make sure you’re using the proper techniques to generate click-throughs and increase sales, read on to find out about the four email marketing techniques you need to be using right now.

Subject Lines

Subject lines are everything. When an email shows up in your customer’s inbox, the first thing they read is the subject line, which will determine whether or not they open it. Many companies know the importance of headlines but forget that using generic headlines, like 75% off body care, tends to get your emails sent straight to the trash folder. Your customers love a good sale, but they also want value. The key to subject lines is to keep them short and vague.

An excellent example of this was President Obama’s email fundraising campaign when he used subject lines such as “Hey” and “Wow.” This approach contributed to Obama raising $690 million for his campaign. Keeping your subject lines short and vague will increase your open rate instead of getting sent straight to the trash.

email marketing

Exclusive Content 

Your customers subscribed to your mailing list for a reason. More than likely, they probably thought by signing up, they would get exclusive content that was just for them. So offer them something that is just for email subscribers. They will not only feel valued and appreciated as a customer, but they will likely stay subscribed and click through your emails more frequently. 

Retail stores do this well when sending out exclusive coupons and early sale access to their mailing lists. You can do something similar to this, but make sure it’s something you know your subscribers would be interested in.

Personalization 

A little personalization can go a long way into making a customer feel valued, whether using the customer’s name in the greeting of the email or focusing on your customer’s purchasing history or demographics.  

For example, Wayfair sends personalized emails based on suggested products or deals. This makes the email personable and makes me more inclined to open their emails to see what discounts might interest me. Keep in mind that too much personalization can also deter customers, so make sure not to overdo it.

mobile friendly

Mobile Friendly

Everyone has a cellphone, which means that the most common product used to check your email is through your phone, especially when consumers are out of the office. According to Hubspot 2017 Marketing Statistics, “two-thirds of emails are read on either smartphones or tablets.” So when the emails you send out are not mobile-friendly, that customer is likely to delete them or, even worse, unsubscribe. Before sending out an email to subscribers, ensure it is optimized for mobile and watch your click-through rate soar.

Conclusion

Social media is a great tool to reach your customers, but you can’t neglect email because it’s not going away anytime soon. There are various techniques to use when it comes to effective email marketing, so test different ones and find out what works for you. Good luck!

Digital Marketing Experts

At Treefrog Inc., our Frogs are experts in many fields that can help your business increase leads and sales. For more information on how our team can help, give us a call at 905-836-4442.

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