Four States Small Business Blog

Amber Ward

Find me on:

Recent Posts

How to Get the Most Out of Your Website Analytics | Tips from Zimmer Marketing

Posted by Amber Ward on August 26, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Effective marketing relies on data-driven decisions—and your website analytics are a goldmine of valuable insights. Understanding what your website numbers actually mean is key to smarter marketing and measurable growth. At Zimmer Marketing, we help companies transform raw website data into clear, actionable strategies. Here’s how you can do the same.
 

Why Website Analytics Matter

Your website isn’t just a digital brochure. It’s a powerful sales and engagement tool. But how do you know if it’s working? Website analytics help you answer questions like:
  • Are visitors finding what they need?
  • Which marketing efforts are driving the most interest?
  • Where are people dropping off in the customer journey?

Without this information, even the best-looking site may be missing its mark with your audience. Consistently reviewing your website analytics can directly impact your bottom line, revealing which content attracts attention and what needs improvement.
 

Key Metrics to Watch

Here are the website metrics every business owner should understand.
  • Traffic Sources: Where are your visitors coming from? Are they finding you through search engines, social media, or direct links? Knowing this helps you invest in the right channels for your brand.
  • Pageviews & Sessions: How many times are people visiting pages, and how long are they staying? Higher session numbers indicate healthy engagement.
  • Bounce Rate: This measures the percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate may signal that your content isn’t meeting visitors’ expectations.
  • Conversion Rate: How many visitors take a desired action, such as filling out a contact form, making a purchase, or subscribing to your newsletter?
  • Exit Pages: Which pages are causing people to leave your site? This could highlight user experience or content issues.
  • Device Type: Whether your visitors are using phones, tablets, or laptops.
 

Making Sense of the Data

Raw numbers can sometimes be overwhelming. Here’s how to turn your analytics into meaningful action:
  • Set Clear Objectives: Do you want to increase leads, boost sales, or grow awareness? Define your goals so you know what to measure.
  • Track Changes Over Time: Compare month-to-month data. Are you seeing steady growth, or sudden dips? Major changes provide clues about what’s working and what’s not.
  • Test and Optimize: If a blog post outperforms others, analyze why. If your ‘Contact Us’ page has a high exit rate, try improving the messaging or making your contact form shorter.
 

The Importance of Consistency

One of the core lessons we’ve learned at Zimmer Marketing is that consistent content creation and regular analysis directly influence online performance. We’ve seen firsthand how pausing blog posts can reduce a client’s web traffic and revenue, and how resuming consistent content quickly turns those numbers around. By keeping your content fresh and reviewing analytics regularly, you maintain visibility not only for search engines but also for real users—and even AI-driven tools searching for your business online.
 

Partner with Local Experts

Understanding your website analytics isn’t just about checking boxes or copying national marketing trends. It’s about understanding what resonates with your audience in your market. The Zimmer Marketing team combines local knowledge with digital expertise to help your business shine online. If you're ready to dive in and create a comprehensive marketing plan to grow your business, we're ready to help you do it!

Get in Touch with a Marketing Consultant
Read More

Topics: Marketing Strategy

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
Read More

Topics: Website Design

Why You Should Have a System to Solicit Reviews from Customers

Posted by Amber Ward on March 25, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Customer reviews are one of the most powerful tools for growing your business. They provide social proof, build trust, and influence potential customers’ purchasing decisions. Yet, many companies struggle to consistently gather reviews. The solution lies in creating a system to actively solicit feedback from your customers. At Zimmer Marketing, we offer services like text invitations for reviews and QR codes for signage to make this process simple and effective. Here’s why having such a system is essential for your business.
Read More

Topics: Marketing Strategy

What's In A Name? | 3 Naming Considerations for a New Business

Posted by Amber Ward on March 4, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Choosing a name for your new business is more than just a creative exercise. It's a crucial decision that can significantly impact your brand's success, legal standing, and online visibility. Let's explore three key considerations when naming your business.
Read More

Topics: Small Business Resources, Branding

How to Use Video to Brand Your Business

Posted by Amber Ward on October 22, 2024 at 7:00 AM
For modern businesses, video is a powerful tool for brand building. Businesses can leverage social media platforms and video consumption habits to engage their audience, convey their message effectively, and create a lasting impression. Let's look at some ways you can use video to build and reinforce your brand.
Read More

Topics: Branding, Video Production

Are You Coming to BrandKamp On October 10th?

Posted by Amber Ward on September 23, 2024 at 8:12 AM
Are you ready to elevate your business? Don't miss BrandKamp, a brand-building event hosted by Zimmer Marketing. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at The Main Event,  611 S Main St, Joplin, MO. This is a FREE event, and lunch is included. However, space is limited, so request your ticket today!

Request A Ticket
 

Why Attend BrandKamp?

BrandKamp is more than just another marketing seminar—it’s an interactive experience designed to help business owners like you unlock the full potential of your brand. Featuring Chuck Mefford, a renowned branding and marketing consultant, this event offers powerful insights and actionable strategies that can drive your business to unprecedented success.
 

Meet Chuck Mefford

Chuck Mefford is a leading expert in small business branding and the creator of the BrandsFormation system. With four published books and extensive experience, he’s helped both Fortune 500 companies and small businesses across the Midwest, including Joplin, achieve outstanding branding results. Now, he's bringing his expertise directly to you.
 

What Will You Learn at BrandKamp?

At BrandKamp, you'll gain insider knowledge on how to build a powerful, lasting brand that truly connects with your audience. You’ll discover which media platforms will work best for your business, how to craft messages that stick, and, most importantly, how to measure the success of your marketing efforts.
 

Reserve Your Seat At BrandKamp

Seats for BrandKamp are limited. And the best part? Tickets are completely free. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to revolutionize your marketing and turn your business into a branding powerhouse. Reserve your spot today and take the first step towards exceptional growth!

Ready to unlock your company's full potential?

Request A Ticket
 
Read More

Topics: BrandsFormation, Branding

Using Customer Reviews to Shape Your Brand Story

Posted by Amber Ward on August 20, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Customer reviews are more than just feedback—they are a powerful tool that can shape your brand story. Potential customers often rely on the experiences of others to make decisions about what to buy or who to call for services, and these reviews can significantly influence your brand's perception. So, this week, we want to look at some ways you can leverage customer reviews to craft a compelling brand narrative.

1. Highlight Authenticity

Reviews offer a genuine glimpse into how your products or services impact real people. By showcasing positive reviews, you're not just promoting your brand; you're proving its value through the voices of satisfied customers. Authenticity resonates with audiences and builds trust, making your brand more relatable and credible. Your website is the ideal place to curate a collection of high-quality customer reviews.
 

2. Identify Key Themes

Pay attention to recurring themes in your reviews. Are customers consistently praising your customer service, product quality, or unique features? These patterns can inform the core values and messages of your brand story. Use this feedback to refine your messaging and align it with what truly matters to your audience.
 

3. Turn Negative Reviews into Opportunities

Negative reviews can be just as valuable as positive ones. They provide insights into areas where your brand can improve. By addressing these concerns publicly and showing your commitment to customer satisfaction, you can turn potential setbacks into opportunities to demonstrate your brand's dedication to growth and quality.
 

4. Engage with Your Audience

Responding to reviews—both positive and negative—shows that you value customer feedback and are actively engaged with your audience. This interaction adds a human touch to your business, making it more approachable and responsive. It's an essential component of building a loyal customer base.
 

5. Use Reviews in Marketing Content

Incorporate glowing reviews into your marketing materials, whether on your website, in social media posts, or within email campaigns. Real testimonials add a layer of credibility and can help potential customers see the tangible benefits of choosing your brand.

Start Your Journey To An Optimized Website

From a tailored SEO strategy designed to supercharge your traffic and sales to unique and consistent branding elements and design, the Zimmer Marketing web team delivers outstanding results for businesses. We'd love to partner with you to propel your business to greater heights!

Get In Touch With A Marketing Consultant
 
 
Read More

Topics: Branding

6 Tips for Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

Posted by Amber Ward on July 16, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Having a strong online presence is crucial for any business. And one of the most effective tools at your disposal is your Google Business Profile. Optimizing this online face of your business can significantly enhance your visibility and attract more customers. Here are six essential tips to help you maximize your Google Business Profile.
Read More

Topics: Online Sales

The Power of Radio Political Advertising

Posted by Amber Ward on March 26, 2024 at 7:00 AM
 
Read More

Topics: Radio Advertising, Advertising Creative

Understanding the Search Results Page: How to Rank Up

Posted by Amber Ward on March 5, 2024 at 7:05 AM
In the vast landscape of the internet, search engines, such as Google, play a pivotal role in connecting users with the information they seek. For businesses and content creators, mastering the art of search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for visibility and success. One key aspect of SEO is understanding the ins and outs of the search results page (SERP). In this blog, we'll explore the key elements of the SERP, providing insights on how to rank up effectively.
 

Sponsored Results and Ads

Sponsored results almost always appear at the top of the Google search results page. Businesses bid on keywords with Google Ads to have their business displayed when users search for those terms. While organic results rely on relevance and quality, sponsored results depend on effective ad campaigns and budget allocation, as well as relevance and quality. Crafting compelling ad copy, choosing the right keywords, and optimizing landing pages are crucial for success in the sponsored section of the SERP.

Featured Snippets

Featured snippets are concise, informative snippets that appear at the top of the search results page, providing immediate answers to user searches. Earning a featured snippet position is highly coveted, as it boosts visibility and credibility. To optimize for featured snippets, focus on creating content that answers specific questions concisely. Use structured data markup to help search engines better understand and extract relevant information from your content.
 

Maps Results

For businesses with a physical presence, local search results are pivotal. Maps results, often seen as a map pack, display local businesses relevant to the user's query. Organic map results are based on relevance, distance, and prominence, while sponsored map results are influenced by paid advertising. Additionally, for more map visibility, you can pay to promote your business listing. To enhance local visibility, ensure your business information is accurate and up-to-date on Google Business Listing. Encourage positive reviews, as they contribute to prominence in local search results.

Organic Search Results

Organic results are the standard listings on the search results page, appearing below the featured snippets, sponsored results, and maps results. Achieving high rankings in organic search requires a comprehensive SEO strategy. Focus on creating high-quality, relevant content, targeting essential keywords for your business. Regularly update and maintain your website to stay in line with search engine algorithms and user expectations.

How to Rank Up in Search Results

Mastering the intricacies of the Search Results Page is crucial for anyone looking to enhance online visibility. Whether aiming for the prized featured snippet, navigating sponsored results, dominating local maps, or securing high rankings in organic results, a comprehensive approach to SEO is key. By understanding each element on the search results page and tailoring your strategy accordingly, you can rank up and connect with your target audience effectively online.

Boost Your Online Presence with Zimmer Marketing

Zimmer Marketing's web development team is pushing the boundaries of website design and performance. Fast, visually appealing, and SEO-friendly websites are no longer the exclusive domain of multi-billion dollar companies. If you want to give your business a competitive advantage online through content marketing and cutting-edge design, we're here to help!
 
 
Read More

Topics: Website Design, Digital Marketing