Welcome to our August Marketing Roundup! This past month, Google has made a few changes and updates to be aware of, as well as hinting at another core update just around the corner that will no doubt shake things up again!
Keep reading to learn more about updates across the industry, as well as some resources we’ve been loving this month and key dates for your September marketing plan.
Google’s John Mueller recently responded to comments about thumbnails still not appearing for some on search results. He encouraged patience, saying that “the next one [core update] isn’t extremely far away” and recommends waiting for that.
He didn’t give a specific timeline for the next core update (“they tend to go out when they’re ready”), however many digital marketers have been experiencing ranking volatility over the past couple of weeks, indicating that Google might be testing a new update.
The EU has introduced a landmark new law that impacts artificial intelligence (AI). The AI Act aims to govern the way that companies develop and use AI, specifically addressing the negative effects of AI.
The Act implements a risk-based approach to regulating AI, meaning that different applications will be regulated depending on the level of risk posed to society. For example “high-risk” applications such as autonomous vehicles and medical devices will be governed by strict regulations including risk assessments, mitigation systems and use of high-quality training data sets.
Presumably, the use of AI in digital marketing will be low-risk, but there may be scope for this to further impact E-E-A-T in the future.
Google has announced Search Console Recommendations, a new feature that provides optimisation opportunities and suggests actions you can take to improve your online presence.
These recommendations are based on a variety of Google systems data such as indexing, crawling and serving. It was all already available to you, but is now more accessible via direct recommendations.
Google has recently introduced new AI tools for Performance Max ads, enhancing reporting, creative capabilities, and brand safety measures. New features include asset-level conversion reporting and image editing. Whilst existing asset generation expands to App and Display campaigns.
Google has announced a new update to its Local Services Ads, implementing a new automated photo selection feature. Ginny Marvin, Google Ads Liaison, revealed that the company will now choose photos from advertisers’ LSA profiles to display in their ads.
This change is designed to increase engagement and will be based on an image’s likelihood of improving user interaction.
Key takeaways from this update:
Take a look at some of the resources that Team Wildcat have been loving recently:
This book has changed the way I think about writing content to best resonate with the end user. The framework encourages you to think more about who your customer is, what their problems are and what they need, rather than simply promoting your business as the hero.
Instead, you position yourself as a guide who gives them a plan or a solution and calls them to action. You tell them how your plan will result in success and what will happen if they don’t follow through. Ultimately, it makes you think more about your customer’s journey and what they need.
Have you ever tried to place a screenshot of a webpage onto a laptop, tablet or phone? It usually looks pretty bad, unless you’re a Photoshop expert, but these images have their places in the world of marketing.
Enter Mockup Studio. This is a tool that allows you to upload a screenshot of your chosen webpage, and then insert it onto a device of your choice (over 4500 devices!). Personally, I’ve loved this tool for making our case studies a bit more visual and showcasing our clients’ websites (I’ve also used it a couple of times in this blog!)
Try it out here.
A successful marketing strategy is planned in advance and should consider the relevant key dates for your industry. Whether it’s a national holiday or something that sounds made up (we’re looking at you, Talk Like a Pirate Day), planning your marketing around these days can help increase engagement. Here are a few key dates to consider for September:
Here at Wildcat, we keep our fingers on the pulse of modern digital marketing, updating our strategies as the landscape changes to keep our clients, and you, ahead of the game. Don’t forget to check in each month for the latest in SEO, PPC, and everything in between. In case you missed it, here is July’s Digital Roundup.
Looking to punch above your weight online? Enquire about our tailored SEO, PPC and Paid Social services.
Content Strategist & Team Leader
Founder
Our founder, Will Hitchmough, worked at a number of high profile Sheffield Digital Agencies before founding Wildcat Digital in 2018. He brings an extensive knowledge of all things related to SEO, PPC and Paid Social, as well as an expert knowledge of digital strategy.
Digital Marketing can be a minefield for many businesses, with many agencies ready to take your money without knowing how to deliver results. I founded Wildcat Digital to deliver digital success to businesses with smaller budgets in a transparent way.
Content Strategist Team Lead
With a degree in Marketing and a background in more traditional, offline marketing, Chloe joined Wildcat in 2021 after deciding to move into the digital marketing industry. She joined us as a Content Specialist and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Content Strategist and later an SEO Team Leader.
Outside of work, Chloe is an avid creative. If she’s not knitting, you’ll likely find her behind a sewing machine or in the kitchen trying (and often failing!) to make sourdough.
SEO Account Director
Paul has a strong background in SEO, having previously founded and ran a successful eCommerce business, as well as running a personal blog that achieves an average of 17K users per month. Paul’s knowledge of SEO is extensive, with a strong emphasis on client handling and technical SEO.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with weight lifting and combat sports.
Head of Operations
Nadea joined Wildcat in 2021 and has since overhauled the way we work. She has a background in various administrative, operations and HR roles, which gave her the experience and skills needed to lead and organise a growing business.
Outside of work, Nadea loves anything that keeps her active, but she especially enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a background in sales, Molly is a natural Account Manager, brilliantly handling any issues that come her way. Having joined us as a Digital Marketing Executive, and working part-time through her final year of University, Molly is a shining example of how hard work pays off. She is now an SEO Account Manager with a particular interest in Content and Client Management.
In her spare time, Molly loves to get out in nature, hiking and exploring the Peak District. She also loves cooking and likes to unwind with a bit of yoga.
PPC Team Leader
Libby joined Wildcat in 2021 as our first PPC hire. With a degree in Digital Media Production, a Master’s in Digital Media Management and previous experience in Social Media Management, Libby hit the ground running and has since climbed the ranks to Senior PPC Account Manager and has a particular interest in the eCommerce sector.
Outside of work, Libby likes gaming, and cooking and likes to keep active by lifting weights.
SEO Account Manager
Jasmine joined Wildcat in 2022 with a strong background in SEO and Account Management. At the time, she was finishing up a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and has since worked her way up to SEO Account Manager. Jasmine excels at content writing and promotion, and particularly enjoys finding creative ways to join the dots on multi-channel campaigns.
In her spare time, Jasmine volunteers at a charity, helping combat loneliness & social isolation experienced by older neighbours. Outside of Wildcat, she owns a catering company, Savery Grazing, creating delicious grazing tables & platters for a range of events. She also loves skiing and exploring the Peak District.
Senior PPC Executive
Prior to joining Wildcat, Braden founded and ran his own Social Media Management agency where he gained valuable skills in growing brands’ online presence, which has since proven invaluable in his role at Wildcat.
Outside of work, Braden is a big football fan, regularly travelling to Pride Park to support Derby County. He also enjoys watching and playing snooker, hiking in the Peak District, and attending air and car shows.
Senior SEO Executive
After spending ten years managing businesses, restaurants, cafes and event spaces across Sheffield, Jon decided to change careers and joined Wildcat as an SEO Executive in 2022. He especially enjoys the client management side of the job, helping them to understand digital marketing and ways in which they can build their business’s presence online.
Outside of work, Jon likes to keep fit with running, badminton and football, and also loves music.
Senior SEO Executive
Rachel joined us as a graduate, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in English Literature. Since joining, Rachel has proven herself to be a Content Queen, and particularly enjoys getting stuck into projects that allow her to explore her creative side.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including rugby, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and three labradors.
Team Lead & Technical SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Computer Science and SEO experience dating back to 2017, Dariusz has a wide range of SEO skills and knowledge. His specialist knowledge of Technical SEO has firmly landed him the title of Wildcat’s Technical Wizard, and he has recently taken on the responsibility of Team Leader for the Panthers Team.
In his spare time, Dariusz loves hiking, experimenting and trying new coffees and loves learning new things. He is currently learning more about CRO and AI and how this could benefit our clients.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Film and TV production, and a varied career history, Jamie made the move to marketing with a Masters degree in Digital Media Management. He has since worked in SEO at Agencies across Sheffield, before joining Wildcat and working his way up to SEO Account Manager. Jamie has a particular interest in backlinks and Digital PR and has recently gained a client a valuable backlink from Forbes!
In his spare time, Jamie is an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. He also loves to travel and spent a year travelling to Australia after university.
SEO Executive
Andy joined Wildcat in 2023 after starting his digital marketing career in-house for a local Sheffield company. Since joining, he has developed a strong interest in Technical SEO and has strong skills in Account Management.
Outside of work, Andy loves music and plays in a couple of bands. He also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, photography and good food.
Client Success Coordinator
Siena joined us in 2023 with a background in sales and digital marketing. She leads on client relationships across the company, ensuring that our customers are happy throughout their journey with us, from their initial consultation through to onboarding and beyond.
Outside of work, Siena enjoys travelling and getting stuck into the local culture. She likes to make the most of her experiences and particularly enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets from beautiful locations around the world.
Senior SEO Executive
Thea has a wealth of experience in SEO, having previously worked for other Digital Marketing Agencies in Sheffield. She has a particular interest and skills in Technical SEO, but is more than willing to get stuck in and give anything a go.
Outside of work, Thea spends most of her time with her children, but also loves reading, photography and gardening.
PPC Executive
Before joining Wildcat, Tom worked across different industries, building skills in sales and customer service. He later developed a passion for digital marketing whilst working on personal marketing projects and freelance ventures, and gained numerous certifications in PPC and Social Media.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys staying active by going to the gym and hiking. He also loves travelling and motorbiking.
Head of Growth
Rich joined us in May 2024 to head up our growth team. With years of experience helping other agencies to grow, Rich joins us at an exciting time as Wildcat is working on a five-year plan to become one of the biggest agencies in the UK.
Outside of work, Rich is a father to three children, which keeps him very busy! He’s also recently started running again to keep fit and loves a bit of DIY.
SEO Executive
Kezia joined us in July 2024 after completing a CIM Certificate in Digital Marketing and gaining experience in Content SEO at another Sheffield agency.
In her spare time, Kezia loves to get outdoors, bouldering, hiking and travelling.
SEO Executive
Amy joined Wildcat in 2024 with a background in journalism, having worked as a News Editor and Editor-in-Chief at The Sheffield Tab. She is naturally interested in Content SEO and research, so will no doubt prove to be a content power-house.
In her spare time, Amy loves watching crime shows, listening to music and hanging out with her dog, Eddie!
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