Four States Small Business Blog

Search Engine Marketing: How to Get the Most Out of a Limited Budget

Posted by Brett James on August 5, 2025 at 9:30 AM
In search engine marketing, every marketing dollar counts, especially for small businesses looking to compete for visibility online. SEM offers a powerful path to get your products and services in front of your ideal customers at the exact moment they're searching. But how do you make every dollar stretch further? At Zimmer Marketing, we believe success begins with three core principles: prioritize your best sellers, define narrow audiences, and craft messaging that resonates. Here’s how you can maximize your results—even on a limited budget.
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Topics: Digital Marketing

A Guide to Search Engine Optimization and AI

Posted by Jason Dittmer on July 29, 2025 at 7:00 AM
The digital marketing landscape is evolving rapidly, compelling businesses to utilize every available tool to remain visible and competitive. Traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO) remains crucial, but with the rise of artificial intelligence, strategies are evolving, particularly with concepts like Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). This guide explains how SEO, AI, and GEO can collaborate to enhance your brand's online presence.
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Topics: Website Design, Digital Marketing

Getting the Most Out of Working with Local Influencers

Posted by Kylie Davis on July 15, 2025 at 7:00 AM
In a fast-paced marketing landscape, local influencers—especially radio and video personalities—offer a powerful way to connect with your community and drive real results for your business. At Zimmer Marketing, our on-air and video talent from six radio stations in the Four States, including Joplin, MO, are uniquely positioned to help your brand shine. Here’s how you can maximize your partnership with local influencers and why our team is your best resource for authentic, high-impact campaigns.
 

Why Local Influencers Matter

Local influencers, such as radio hosts and video creators, have established deep trust and credibility with their audiences. Their recommendations feel like advice from a friend, making their endorsements far more effective than traditional ads. When you work with Zimmer Marketing’s talent, you’re tapping into a loyal listener and viewer base that spans the Four States region.
 

The Unique Power of On-Air and Video Talent

Our radio personalities are more than just voices; they’re community leaders, storytellers, and digital content creators. They engage audiences on-air, online, and through social media, offering a multi-channel approach that amplifies your message. Here’s what sets Zimmer Marketing’s team apart:
  • Multi-Platform Reach: From live radio to digital video, social media, and event appearances, our influencers connect with audiences wherever they are.
  • Local Expertise: As residents and active members of the Four States, our team understands what resonates with local listeners and viewers, making your campaign more relevant and effective.
 

Best Practices for Working with Local Influencers

To get the most out of your influencer partnership, follow these proven strategies:

1. Set Clear Objectives
Define your campaign goals upfront—whether it’s increasing foot traffic, boosting web visits, or driving social engagement. Share these objectives with your influencer so they can tailor their approach for maximum impact.

2. Provide Authentic Experiences
Invite influencers to experience your product or service firsthand. The more familiar they are with your business, the more authentic and compelling their endorsements will be. This could mean a behind-the-scenes tour, a product trial, or a special event.

3. Collaborate, Don’t Script
Offer talking points and brand guidelines, but let your influencer speak in their own voice. Authenticity is key—audiences can tell when a message is genuine versus scripted. Trust your influencer’s expertise in communicating with their audience.

4. Embrace Multi-Channel Storytelling
Leverage the full range of your influencer’s platforms. Combine on-air mentions with social media posts, short-form videos, and live event appearances to create a cohesive, omnichannel campaign.

5. Measure and Optimize
Track key performance indicators, including web traffic, social engagement, and in-store visits. Share results with your influencer partner and be open to making adjustments for even better outcomes in future campaigns.
 

Zimmer Marketing: Your Local Influencer Advantage

With decades of experience and a deep commitment to the Four States community, Zimmer Marketing’s on-air and video talent are ready to help your business grow. Our team’s ability to blend traditional radio with digital content ensures your message is heard, seen, and remembered. Ready to influence your audiences?

Get in Touch with a Marketing Consultant
 
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Topics: Radio Advertising, Marketing ROI, Social Media, Digital Marketing, Video Production, Content Marketing

What Are Backlinks and Why Does Your Website Need Them?

Posted by Jeannette Royle on July 2, 2025 at 8:05 AM
If you’re looking to grow your business online, you’ve probably heard the term “backlinks” tossed around in conversations about SEO and digital marketing. But what exactly are backlinks, and why are they so important for your website’s success? Let’s break it down in simple terms and explore how backlinks can help your business stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

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Topics: Website Design

Why Your Website Matters More Than Ever in the Age of AI

Posted by Jason Dittmer on June 26, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Having a website isn’t just a box to check, it’s the foundation of your business’s visibility, especially as artificial intelligence becomes the new front door to the internet.

Imagine this: It’s Friday in Neosho, and someone asks their AI assistant, “What’s happening this weekend?” The AI searches the open web for answers. If your event or business information is only on Facebook or another closed social platform, it’s invisible to these new technologies. But if you have a dedicated website, you’re front and center—exactly where you need to be.

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Topics: Website Design

Supporting Honor Flight: Join Us for Red, White, Sip & Shop

Posted by Mark Zimmer on June 23, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Zimmer Marketing is excited to announce two impactful events this week in support of Honor Flight of the Ozarks, honoring our local veterans and helping fund their memorable trips to Washington, D.C.
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Topics: Team Zimmer, Zimmer Cares

How Human Intelligence and AI Can Work Together To Build Your Brand

Posted by Jason Dittmer on June 17, 2025 at 7:51 AM
The most successful brands are those that harness both the creativity of human intelligence and the analytical power of artificial intelligence. By blending these strengths, businesses can unlock new ways to understand their market, refine their messaging, and create compelling campaigns that resonate with their audience. 
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Topics: Marketing Strategy

Client Case Study: Measurable Impacts of New Content Posts on Revenue

Posted by Sharon McClellan on June 6, 2025 at 8:23 AM

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, every decision can have a direct and quantifiable effect on a company’s bottom line. At Zimmer Marketing, we recently experienced firsthand how the choice to pause monthly blogging and new content creation influenced one of our clients' online revenue, and what the data revealed about the value of consistent monthly content posts.

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Topics: Website Design

Why Building a Library of Digital Assets is Essential

Posted by Brett James on May 27, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Your brand’s online presence is more important than ever. But simply having a website or social media page isn’t enough; you need a well-organized, accessible library of digital assets to truly stand out and succeed. At Zimmer Marketing, we believe that building and maintaining a digital asset library is not just smart; it’s essential for any business looking to grow and thrive.
 

What Are Digital Assets?

Digital assets are any files or content that represent your brand online. These can include:
  • Your website (the digital storefront of your business)
  • Logos and brand graphics
  • Social media accounts and graphics
  • Blog posts and articles
  • Videos and podcasts
  • Marketing copy and email templates
  • Photography and product images
Think of digital assets as the building blocks of your brand’s online identity. Each asset serves a unique purpose, but together, they create a cohesive and powerful presence.
 

Why Is a Digital Asset Library So Important?

 

1. Consistency Across All Channels

A digital asset library ensures that your branding remains consistent, no matter where your content appears. With easy access to the latest logos, color palettes, and messaging, your team can create marketing materials that always look and sound like   you.
 

2. Efficiency and Time Savings

Searching for the right image or document can waste valuable time. With a well-organized library, everything is at your fingertips. Need a logo for a new ad? Looking for last quarter’s promotional video? It’s all there – ready to use.
 

3. Versatile Marketing Opportunities

Your digital assets can be repurposed for countless marketing campaigns. For example, a single video can be edited into shorter clips for social media, embedded on your website, or included in email newsletters. Blog posts can be updated and reshared, maximizing their value over time.
 

4. Improved Collaboration

When your team (or marketing partners like Zimmer Marketing!) can easily access the same up-to-date assets, collaboration becomes seamless. This leads to faster project turnarounds and better results.
 

5. Protecting Your Brand

A digital asset library acts as a safeguard for your brand. By storing backup copies of your most important files, you reduce the risk of losing valuable content to accidental deletion or hardware failure.
 

What Should Be in Your Digital Asset Library?

Every business is unique, but here are some must-have assets to include:
  • Website files and backups
  • High-resolution logos and brand guidelines
  • Social media profile images and graphics (in multiple sizes)
  • Blog articles and content calendars
  • Product and team photos
  • Videos and audio files
  • Marketing collateral (brochures, flyers, ads)
 

How Zimmer Marketing Can Help

At Zimmer Marketing, we specialize in creating, organizing, and maintaining digital asset libraries for businesses of all sizes. Our services include:
  • Web Development: Build a modern, secure website that serves as your digital hub.
  • Graphic Design: Develop eye-catching graphics that align with your brand.
  • Video Production: Create professional videos for every platform.
  • Copywriting: Craft compelling marketing copy and blog content.
  • Social Media Management: Design and schedule posts using your digital assets.
And the best part?   You own everything we create for you.  At any time, you can request a backup of your entire digital asset library, giving you complete control and peace of mind.

Get in Touch with a Marketing Consultant
 
 
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Topics: Integrated Marketing, Advertising Creative, Website Design, Digital Marketing, Branding, Video Production

Recharge Your Website in 2025 with PocketBase

Posted by Amber Ward on May 20, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Is your business looking for a flexible, modern solution to streamline website management and supercharge your online presence? PocketBase is emerging as a go-to backend platform for businesses seeking speed, simplicity, and scalability in 2025.

What is PocketBase?

PocketBase is an open-source backend solution that offers a powerful way to manage your website’s data and user authentication. It’s designed for developers and businesses who want to build dynamic, data-driven websites without the overhead of traditional, monolithic systems.
 

Key Benefits of PocketBase for Your Website

  • Lightweight and Fast: PocketBase is built for performance. Its minimal footprint ensures your website loads quickly and efficiently, providing a seamless experience for your visitors.
  • Easy Setup and Management: With an intuitive interface and straightforward API, PocketBase allows you to manage content, users, and files without complex configuration.
  • Real-Time Data: PocketBase supports real-time updates, making it ideal for interactive features such as live chat, notifications, or collaborative tools.
  • Scalable Architecture: Whether you’re running a small business site or a growing e-commerce platform, PocketBase scales with your needs, supporting both small projects and enterprise solutions.

How PocketBase Can Transform Your Website

  • Dynamic Content Management: Easily create, update, and organize content without relying on static pages. PocketBase’s database-driven approach lets you make real-time updates that instantly reflect on your site.
  • Custom Workflows: Tailor your backend to fit your business processes, from product catalogs to event registrations, using PocketBase’s flexible data modeling.
  • Seamless Integration: PocketBase works well with modern front-end frameworks, enabling you to build responsive, interactive websites with your preferred tools.

Why Choose PocketBase in 2025?

The digital landscape continues to evolve, and businesses need agile solutions to stay ahead. PocketBase empowers your team to manage content, users, and data efficiently, all while maintaining top-tier performance and security. Its open-source nature means you aren’t locked into proprietary systems, giving you full control over your website’s backend.

Get Started with PocketBase

Ready to elevate your website? Explore how Zimmer Marketing can use PocketBase to power your next digital project with speed, flexibility, and ease. Whether you’re launching a new site or upgrading an existing one, PocketBase provides the tools you need to succeed in 2025 and beyond. Empower your online presence with a backend that grows with your business. Consider PocketBase for your next website upgrade!

Get in Touch with a Marketing Consultant
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Topics: Website Design