Staying on top of the latest digital marketing trends, tactics, and tools can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, digital agency blogs are incredible assets to fuel your continuous education journey – when you know which are truly worth your precious time. This guide unpacks the value of digital marketing blogs, the factors that set the best apart, and how to extract maximum value from your reading to stay ahead. Let’s dive in to how tapping into the top blogging minds can unlock your agency’s growth!
Why Read Digital Marketing Agency Blogs?
The digital marketing landscape evolves at lightning speed. With new social platforms launching, algorithms shifting, and innovations happening every day, it’s essential to keep up or risk falling behind. But where can busy marketers turn to stay on top of all the changes?
Digital marketing agency blogs are an invaluable resource for anyone looking to succeed online. Here are four key reasons you should subscribe and read the top blogs in the industry:
1. Stay on Top of the Latest Trends
Digital marketing agency blogs spotlight emerging tactics, formats, and platforms. For example, blogs were quick to pick up on the rising popularity of TikTok and educate readers on optimizing content and campaigns for the platform.
Agency bloggers test out new features and tools firsthand, then report back on what’s worth implementing. This lets you experiment with the latest trends, while avoiding hype or fads that may not have staying power.
Blogs like Social Media Examiner summarize need-to-know stats and facts so you can focus on how a development may impact your strategy. A 2022 survey found that 74% of marketers read blogs to keep up with changes in digital marketing.
2. Learn Best Practices and Avoid Common Pitfalls
Digital marketing has so many moving parts that it can get overwhelming. Agency blogs present information in bitesize, actionable advice.
For instance, SEMrush regularly interviews experts who share optimization tips and templates for PPC and SEO campaigns. Their visuals clearly demonstrate how to structure campaigns for the best ROI.
Beyond tutorials, agency bloggers also provide post-mortems on campaigns that flopped. Dissecting failures teaches powerful lessons on what to avoid. No need to make the same mistakes when you can learn vicariously!
3. Find Creative Ideas and Innovative Strategies
Running short on inspiration? Digital marketing blogs showcase clever and innovative tactics across every platform and format imaginable.
For example, Convince & Convert does a great job highlighting brands thinking outside the box. Their blog dissected how lens company Warby Parker engages customers through online quizzes and fun branding.
Seeing inventive marketing examples gets the creative juices flowing. You can borrow concepts that align with your brand voice and put your own spin on them.
4. Understand Your Customer’s Digital Experience
Customer perspectives are top-of-mind for digital marketing bloggers. Many interviews and posts focus on optimizing websites, apps, and campaigns for the user.
For instance, Marketing Land frequently analyzes usability studies and highlights friction points for customers. They dig into how marketers can remove annoyances and create seamless experiences.
Putting yourself in your customer’s shoes will enable you to identify gaps and opportunities in your digital presence. Agency bloggers provide that invaluable outside-in viewpoint.
Summary
Subscribing to digital marketing agency blogs provides endless upskilling opportunities. You can scan the latest trends, then zoom in on specific tactics relevant to your focus area or campaign needs.
forward-thinking agency bloggers also explore failure analysis and creative ideas you may never uncover on your own. Most importantly, they shine a light on the customer’s perspective and journey.
Staying on top of this evolving space takes consistent effort. But with the right blogs in your reading list, you’ll avoid playing catch-up and always be one step ahead.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Blog
With thousands of digital marketing blogs out there, how do you identify the top resources worth subscribing to? Choosing the right blogs for your role and business involves evaluating several key factors:
Relevance to Your Role and Industry
Focus on blogs tailored to your goals and topics. For example, blogs like Social Media Examiner or AdWeek suit social media managers and advertisers. But content strategists may favor Copyblogger’s writing-focused advice instead.
If you work in a niche like healthcare or construction, industry-specific blogs hit closer to home. Search for bloggers familiar with your unique regulations, buyer journeys, and marketing challenges.
Compile a list of your most pressing questions, then scan blogs to see who provides applicable tips. Home in on resources addressing your everyday pain points.
Post Frequency
Consistent updates are crucial for timely advice. Look for blogs posting at least 2-3 times per week. This ensures you get a steady stream of relevant content.
Some prolific bloggers like Neil Patel and Entrepreneur put out content daily or even multiple times a day. This can work well if you need an endless well of marketing material.
However, blogs with a few quality posts per week tend to provide more original reporting and meatier articles. The key is ensuring new stories regularly appear so you have incentive to stay engaged.
Quality Writing and Uniqueness
Writing style matters when you read blogs consistently. Look for crisp, conversational writing that’s easy to digest. Scan their most popular posts for an indicator of whether their style resonates.
Also ensure blogs produce a high percentage of original content, not summaries of stories already covered elsewhere. The best blogs showcase the author’s own experiences, insights, and viewpoints you won’t find anywhere else.
Credibility of Bloggers
Vet bloggers to see if they have marketing experience to back up their advice. Do authors have years working in the field? Have they run successful campaigns themselves? Do they have positive industry reputations?
For example, Copyblogger co-founder Brian Clark has decades of content and copywriting expertise. This lends credibility to his advice for content marketers and bloggers.
Blog teams with diverse backgrounds offer well-rounded perspectives. Look for a healthy mix of industry veterans, agency talent, and niche experts.
Data-Driven Insights and Original Research
Numbers don’t lie. The best digital marketing blogs incorporate statistics and primary research to root their claims in hard data:
- Surveys to uncover the latest industry trends
- Case studies on what strategies achieve results
- Reports analyzing benchmark data across businesses
- Interviews gathering insights from thought leaders
- Platform studies testing features and approaches firsthand
Analytics-focused bloggers like Kissmetrics even share original experiments and AB testing outcomes with readers. This level of transparency provides proof points you can count on.
Visually Appealing and Scannable Format
Reading blogs should not feel like a chore. A digestible format allows you to efficiently scan and apply advice:
- Bulleted lists of tips or key takeaways
- Short paragraphs focused on one main idea
- Headlines written as searchable questions
- Subheaders dividing long posts into parts
- Ample white space, images, and multimedia
- Links to click for deeper exploration
Clean layouts free of distractions keep you engaged. Look for blogs that visually showcase their insights, like Column Five and Content Marketing Institute.
Actionable Tactics And Implementable Advice
Avoid blogs heavy on theory without practical application. Look for tangible tips you can test immediately:
- Step-by-step tutorials
- Templates and downloadable guides
- Customizable examples
- Quick wins to build momentum
- Worksheets for planning your own campaigns
- Tools and software recommendations
The advice should inspire new ideas while giving you the how-to steps to actually execute them successfully.
In Summary
With these seven criteria in mind, you can effectively evaluate digital marketing blogs for fit. The right blogs will have relevant subject matter presented by credible experts in your industry. Quality writing and research helps filter wisdom from noise.
On top of educational content, the blog format itself should aid your reading experience. Scan for visual appeal, skimmable layouts, and action-oriented advice.
Take time upfront to meticulously choose blogs aligned with your role, interests, and learning style. This will pay dividends through hours of future reading.
Characteristics of the Best Digital Marketing Blogs
The top blogs stand out for providing tactical, comprehensive content. Here are the key qualities and benchmarks of industry-leading digital marketing blogs:
Laser Focus on Digital Marketing Topics
Avoid generalized blogs covering an array of business or tech subjects. The best resources zero in on digital marketing:
- SEO/SEM
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
- Analytics
- Content strategy and creation
- Conversion rate optimization
- Online advertising
- Emerging media (podcasting, Clubhouse, etc.)
- Digital PR and link building
Narrow focus enables deep dives on specifics like optimizing YouTube thumbnails or leveraging AR on Instagram. You get more robust advice instead of surface-level overviews.
Latest Trends and Innovations Covered
Forward-thinking blogs continuously explore emerging spaces like:
- AI writing and design
- Voice search optimization
- Video content best practices
- Amazon advertising capabilities
- Influencer marketing nuances
- Website personalization
- Attribution modeling
- Privacy and security impacts
For example, Search Engine Journal regularly analyzes the newest updates from Google and Bing. This ensures you never miss an algorithm shift or feature launch.
Real-World Campaign Examples and Case Studies
Vague generalities don’t offer much value. The top blogs spotlight tangible examples of marketing tactics in action:
- Detailed case studies on campaigns from conception to results
- Creative examples and templates from various brands
- Post-mortems on why initiatives succeeded or failed
- Interviews with marketers running innovative programs
- Advertising and web design tear-downs
- Screenshots demonstrating platform features
These concrete illustrations inspire new ideas tailored to your unique situation.
Tactical Tips and Action Plans
Avoid theoretical blog posts that lack practical tips. Look for explicit how-to advice:
- Step-by-step tutorials and game plans
- Customizable templates, frameworks, and workflows
- Easy checklist summaries of key takeaways
- Action verb headlines that clearly convey lessons
- Tools and software recommendations
- Budget and metrics guidelines
For example, Kissmetrics regularly calculates benchmark metrics by industry. This helps you set realistic goals.
Marketing Tools and Resources
The best blogs move beyond concepts to promote actions. They provide resources so readers can implement advice:
- Free planning worksheets and calculators
- Discounts and exclusive offers for software/tools
- Downloadable slide decks and reports
- Online courses and certifications
- Job listings and career development opportunities
- Glossaries defining essential marketing terms
- Marketing asset libraries with templates and imagery
Look for blogs that make next steps easy through comprehensive resources.
Interactive Elements
Engaging blog formats prevent content from becoming static and dense. Interactive elements promote participation:
- Assessments and quizzes to self-evaluate skills
- Calculators to estimate metrics like ROI potential
- Surveys to share firsthand experiences
- Webinars and events to attend
- Comment sections to continue discussions
- Forums connecting peers in the industry
- Polls and feedback opportunities
- Contests and giveaways
For example, Convince & Convert incorporates insightful quizzes into their posts. These maintain an active dialogue with readers.
Transparent Self-Analysis
The top bloggers freely admit past failures and lessons learned versus projecting false perfection. They analyze their own experiences to discuss:
- Campaigns that completely missed the mark
- Initiatives with ROI below expectations
- Times they didn’t follow their own advice
- Misjudging an emerging trend or platform
- Unethical or misguided marketing mistakes
This authentic perspective builds trust and reassures readers. Follow blogs unafraid to talk openly about missteps before course-correcting.
In Summary
Look for blogs clearly devoted to mastering all aspects of digital marketing. They should cover emerging trends but stay grounded in tactical advice and real examples. Forward-thinking blogs treat readers as a community and provide resources to improve. These engaging hubs for continuous learning exemplify digital marketing blogs done right.
Reviews of the Top 10 Digital Marketing Blogs
With an overwhelming number of blogs out there, a curated shortlist helps identify the cream of the crop. Here are 10 top-tier digital marketing blogs that offer immense value:
1. Moz
Moz is a leading SEO software company and blog. Their goal is to make SEO accessible and transparent even for non-technical marketers.
Overview
- Founded by Rand Fishkin and his mother Gillian Muessig in 2004
- Originally started as a consulting agency sharing SEO tips
- Now a prominent SEO toolset led by CEO Sarah Bird
- Known for its Whiteboard Friday series and Beginner’s Guide to SEO
Key Features
- Whiteboard Friday video series – Weekly tutorials explaining SEO concepts at a beginner level using sketch visuals. Taught by in-house experts like Britney Muller and Aleyda Solis.
- Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide – A multi-chapter guide covering all aspects of SEO from keywords to technical site audits. It even includes a helpful glossary.
- Industry experts – Guest posts by respected SEO consultants like Ahrefs’ Tim Soulo and cognitiveSEO’s Heather Physioc provide additional authority.
- Moz Blog Science – Using reader data and surveys, they share insights on what types of posts generate the most traffic and social shares. This helps inform their content strategy.
- Keyword Explorer – Their SEO toolset enables you to research and prioritize keywords right from their blog.
Best For
Moz is a must-follow for SEO specialists and generalists alike. Beginners can access core skills, while pros get strategy inspiration.
2. HubSpot
With a mantra of “make marketing human,” HubSpot publishes posts daily to help grow business and careers. Their content targets small businesses and inbound marketing tactics.
Overview
- Founded in 2006 by Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah
- Known for the concept of “inbound marketing” focused on attracting customers organically
- Blog receives over 4 million monthly visitors
- Variety of topics from email marketing to SEO to sales
Key Features
- Frequency – Multiple posts published per day ensure a steady stream of tips.
- Bite-size advice – Most articles are scannable and 300-500 words to digest quickly.
- Templates and downloads – Their “library” has thousands of free marketing templates, ebooks, and tools.
- Job board – A built-in careers section lets you search marketing roles and post openings.
- Courses – Free certifications are available on topics like Inbound Marketing and HubSpot software.
Best For
The breadth of inbound marketing advice makes HubSpot a go-to for small business owners and marketers focused on lead generation.
3. Search Engine Journal
Part news site and part educational blog, Search Engine Journal analyzes the latest in organic and paid search marketing.
Overview
- Founded in 2003 by Danny Sullivan
- Acquired by MediaBistro in 2007
- Covers all major search engines including Google, Bing, Yandex and DuckDuckGo
- Focuses heavily on SEO, SEM/PPC, social media marketing, and content marketing
Key Features
- SEO how-to guides – Tactical tips for optimizing pages, doing keyword research, and improving site speed.
- Search engine news coverage – Fast reporting on new features, algorithm updates, and announcements from Google and Bing.
- PPC advice – Best practices for managing paid ad campaigns in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads.
- Original research and surveys – Annual industry surveys provide benchmarks on salaries, marketing budgets, PPC costs and more.
Best For
Broad digital marketing news and training makes Search Engine Journal a solid one-stop resource.
4. SEMrush
SEMrush provides an extensive SEO and PPC toolset along with educational blogging on digital marketing tactics.
Overview
- Founded in 2008 by Oleg Shchegolev
- Known for its keyword research and competitive analysis tools used by over 500,000 subscribers
- Acquired SEMrush Academy for SEO learning in 2021
- Blog receives over 2 million monthly visitors
Key Features
- Data studies – Using their own tools, they analyze millions of keywords to uncover search trends and industry benchmarks.
- Expert contributors – Posts by guest contributors like Ahrefs’ Tim Soulo and Backlinko’s Brian Dean.
- SEO and PPC focus – Tactical advice on link building, keyword targeting, ad formats, conversion tracking, and more.
- Ad campaign templates – Downloadable frameworks and templates to structure digital ad campaigns.
Best For
SEO practitioners looking for data-driven tactics and trends that extend beyond surface-level advice.
5. Social Media Examiner
With a tagline of “boost your business with social media,” this blog serves marketing pros wanting to master various social platforms.
Overview
- Founded in 2009 by Michael Stelzner
- Early mover focused exclusively on the fledgling social media marketing space
- Now a major source of news, strategies, and tips across social
- Also offer live online summits, a podcast, and keynotes
Key Features
- Latest platform updates – Breaking news on new features launching across social media.
- Tactics by network – Category pages provide network-specific advice, like improving Twitter engagement or developing brand advocates on Instagram.
- Industry research – An annual report detailing social media usage, budgets, challenges, and trends across 5,000+ marketers surveyed.
- Podcast – Weekly Social Media Marketing Talk Show analyzes tactics behind viral content and influencer collaborations.
Best For
Any social media marketer. One central hub provides ample training regardless of platform or experience level.
6. Marketing Land
Part news site and part blog, Marketing Land publishes the latest original reporting on all key areas of digital marketing.
Overview
- Founded in 2007 by Danny Sullivan and Susan Esparza
- Sister site to Search Engine Land, launched in 2005
- Covers social media, email marketing, analytics, branding, mobile marketing, ecommerce, and more
- Known for its SMX conference series and original daily content
Key Features
- Variety – Covers the full spectrum of tactics from SEO to video marketing to conversion optimization.
- Reporting – While also educational, its journalistic focus provides digital marketing news not found elsewhere.
- Actionable – Posts end with specific tips to implement takeaways or improve your strategy.
- Guest contributors – In addition to staff writers, industry professionals contribute regular columns.
- Job board and career advice – Helpful resources for advancing your marketing career.
Best For
Broad, daily digital marketing news and advice with wide appeal across sectors and experience levels.
7. Convince & Convert
Founded by content marketing guru Jay Baer, Convince & Convert provides advice on creating persuasive digital experiences.
Overview
- Launched in 2008 by Jay Baer, an author and keynote speaker on marketing
- Bestowed with “World’s #1 Content Marketing Blog” multiple years by Content Marketing Institute
- Key topics include content strategy, customer experience, and online reputation management
Key Features
- Customer-focus – A heavy emphasis on making every user interaction convenient and valuable.
- Storytelling and creativity – Tapping emotions and creative mediums to produce engaging content.
- Guides and templates – Downloads like social media image sizes and webinar planning checklists.
- Email list building – The blog itself models effective lead capture and list growth strategies.
- Real-world examples – Case studies on memorable campaigns by companies like Spotify and Yeti.
Best For
Marketers interested in innovative storytelling, customer experience optimization, and content that inspires action.
8. AdWeek
AdWeek is a longstanding news source covering creativity and innovation in the advertising world.
Overview
- Founded in 1979 under its original name Adweek
- Known as the leading weekly trade magazine for advertising, media and marketing
- Expanded online editorial coverage in 2006
- Award the “Best Blog” in min’s 2021 Best of the Web Awards
Key Features
- Industry news – Breaking developments in the brand marketing space like new creative campaigns, media partnerships, or agency mergers.
- Creativity – Showcases innovative ads across digital, print, out-of-home and experiential channels.
- Leadership – Insightful interviews with CMOs and executives at major brands.
- Culture – Analyzes how brands approach diversity in creative, as well broader DEI trends.
- Account Planning – Strategic guidance on media buying, budget allocation and attribution modeling.
Best For
Senior brand marketers seeking inspiration on creative ideation, leadership principles, and a 30,000 foot view of the fast-moving industry.
9. Swydo
Created by digital marketing platform Swydo, this blog focuses on optimizing campaigns through testing and personalization.
Overview
- Blog associated with Swydo’s suite of marketing technology tools
- Caters to both client-side marketers and agency professionals
- Led by Robbin Elmendorp, Swydo’s Senior MarTech Specialist
- Topics include A/B testing, marketing analytics, personalization, and more
Key Features
- Templates and downloads – Includes customizable presentations, calculators, and frameworks.
- Optimization experiments – Shows real examples of Swydo’s A/B testing capabilities using their own blog.
- Interviews – Q&As with marketers at major brands like Philips and ING provide real-world context.
- Interactive quizzes and assessments – Educate through interactive elements that reinforce key concepts.
- Detailed case studies – Review complete experiments instead of one-off examples.
Best For
Marketers responsible for improving campaign performance through testing and personalization.
10. DigitalMarketer
Founded by renowned marketer Ryan Deiss, DigitalMarketer takes a sales-focused approach to digital marketing education.
Overview
- Launched in 2011 by Ryan Deiss
- Specializes in the customer journey from awareness to conversion and retention
- Key topics include lead generation, email, social media, paid ads, conversion optimization, and funnel building/management
Key Features
- High-level strategy – Blog posts aim for the optimal mix of channels and messaging throughout the buyer’s journey.
- Testing – Quantified case studies explain how experiments led to significant growth.
- Revenue focus – Constant emphasis on ROI, sales, and profitability over vanity metrics like social media followers.
- Experiments – Details their own marketing tests – not just hypothetical examples.
- Certifications – Paid programs like Digital Marketing Certified Associate provide structured learning paths.
Best For
Results-driven marketers focused on quantifying the revenue impact of multifaceted digital strategies.
In Summary
This hand-picked list only scratches the surface of worthwhile digital marketing blogs. The key is identifying resources tailored to your focus area, experience level, industry, and learning style.
Curate your own personalized reading list by sampling from the best. Follow multiple blogs to get well-rounded insights from both niche experts and generalists. The more perspectives you gain, the more adept you will become at adapting ideas for your unique business context.
Consistency is critical. Set aside time, even just 15 minutes per day, for reading to continually expand your skills. Use RSS feeds and newsletters to easily consume content on a regular basis.
The top blogs simplify staying on the cutting edge. Let them spark your next innovative campaign or process optimization!
Tips for Getting The Most from Digital Marketing Blogs
With an abundance of insightful blogs out there, how do you extract as much value as possible from your reading time? Follow these tips to boost your learning and retention:
Scan Broadly Then Zero In
Initially, explore a diverse mix of digital marketing blogs to find writers and topics that resonate.
For example, subscribe to both broad blogs like Entrepreneur as well as niche blogs like Social Media Examiner. See which posts hook you and leave you wanting more.
Over time, identify one or two focus areas to deep dive into. Continuously evaluate blogs covering your specialty in detail. You may focus on conversion optimization, email marketing, SEO, paid social – whatever matches your role and goals.
Look for Relevant Case Studies
Avoid generic advice that could apply to anyone. Seek out case studies and examples tailored to your:
- Industry – A law firm should read blogs citing legal marketing examples. Software companies may favor blogs discussing SaaS content strategy.
- Company size – Enterprise companies face different challenges than early-stage startups. Find bloggers who address your scale.
- Growth stage – Need specific guidance on launching a startup? Or on maintaining growth at a mature company? Read case studies relevant to your current phase.
- Business model – Ecommerce companies have distinct needs like optimizing product pages. Service companies focus more on calls-to-action and lead gen.
The more a blog mirrors your real-world situation, the easier it will be to apply lessons. Look for your own business reflected in their examples.
Follow Industry Influencers, Leaders and Experts
Authority stems from experience. Aim to learn from those established in their field:
- Follow recognized thought leaders like Seth Godin or Jay Baer.
- Read blogs of speakers at major conferences like MozCon or INBOUND.
- Identify influencers like YouTubers or prolific podcast guests.
- Seek respected practitioners like Edelman’s or IDEO’s in-house experts.
Their pedigree and body of work signifies credibility. But also look for rising stars and innovative thinkers to discover new perspectives.
Experiment with Tips on Your Own Business
The best way to validate advice is by testing it yourself. For example:
- Try the latest social media tactics shared on Convince & Convert. Measure the impact on engagement.
- Take keyword research frameworks from Search Engine Journal and see how they influence organic traffic.
- Use the email templates from HubSpot and compare open rates to previous campaigns.
Hands-on application reinforces concepts and proves out ideas with measurable results. Document what works to scale up.
Actively Comment and Share Posts
Discussing posts deepens understanding and community.
- Leave comments identifying useful tips along with lingering questions. Bloggers often respond with helpful context.
- Share posts via Twitter, LinkedIn, or Slack channels to continue the conversation.
- Republish snippets on your own blog or internal site if permitted. Make sure to link back.
- Sign up as a guest contributor if you have case studies or experiments to share.
Engaging with blogs builds connections and gives your own content broader reach.
Use Blog Posts for Team Training and Discussion
Move learnings offline to share internally:
- Print and circulate best posts across departments as educational resources.
- Review articles in team meetings and brainstorm applications for your programs.
- Assign different blog review “homework” to gather diverse perspectives at your next team workshop.
- Create lunch-and-learns or webinars led by team members summarizing posts on a specific topic.
Repurposing posts facilitates training and alignment across your organization.
In Summary
Digital marketing blogs enable self-driven, continuous education at your own pace. But active reading yields the most payoff:
- Curate blogs that speak directly to your situation and current learning objectives.
- Digest advice critically, validating through hands-on testing and data.
- Contribute to the discussion through comments, shares, and guest posts.
- Extend learnings offline to educate colleagues.
Stay engaged with your roster of blogs to extract maximum tactical value and leadership thinking. The more you participate, the deeper your digital marketing mastery will grow.
Next Steps After Finding The Best Blogs
You’ve identified blogs aligned with your role, interests, and learning style. Now what? Here are impactful ways to stay actively engaged:
Subscribe to Email Newsletters
Email newsletter subscriptions ensure you never miss new posts or series. Here’s how to leverage them:
- Subscribe to both general updates and category/topic-specific emails like just social media or email marketing.
- Scan subject lines to identify your must-reads versus items to skip.
- Designate a folder or label for blog emails so they don’t get lost.
- Schedule 15 minutes weekly to browse recently received newsletters. Stay close to real time.
- Follow up on anything eye-catching by reading the full post.
Email keeps your regular reading streamlined. You control the cadence based on your available time.
Join Relevant Online Communities
Many blogs facilitate community discussion beyond commenting on posts:
- Participate in their forums or groups to ask questions and discuss learnings.
- Follow related hashtags on Twitter where blog authors and readers congregate.
- Join their LinkedIn Groups or Facebook Groups, if available.
- Attend tweetups or online events organized by or featuring blog authors.
- Consider paid communities like MarketingProfs or Social Media Examiner’s membership programs for premium content.
Surround yourself with people as passionate about digital marketing to accelerate expertise.
Follow Blog Authors and Contributors on Social
Beyond the blog itself, social media provides additional insights:
- Follow authors on Twitter for article commentary, resources, and personality.
- Subscribe to YouTube channels for supplementary vlogs and video content.
- Connect with writers on LinkedIn to reach out directly with questions.
- Like Facebook pages for quotes, quick tips, and networking opportunities.
Social expands your access to bloggers’ minds. See how they interact outside of polished posts.
Check Their Job Boards for Opportunities
Industry-leading blogs attract top talent. Explore openings advertised:
- Search job listings for roles at coveted brands or appealing locations.
- Sign up for job alert emails tailored to your preferences.
- Note required skills to identify training gaps and guide your learning path.
- Follow companies you admire to prepare for future openings.
Job hunting lets you peek inside innovative companies and team cultures.
Stay On Top of Emerging Platforms and Trends
Blogs provide early warning on what’s ahead. Prepare for the future by:
- Noting new platforms highlighted like Snapchat or Clubhouse when they first emerged.
- Tracking the growth of developments like livestreaming, episodic content, and voice search.
- Studying trends like personalization, customer experience, and privacy through blog analysis.
Getting in early on the next big thing gives you a competitive advantage.
Set Google Alerts and RSS Feeds by Relevant Keywords
Never miss articles on your niche.
- Set up Google Alerts for your name, brand, competitors, and relevant terms.
- Leverage RSS feeds to automatically get posts on chosen topics.
- Consider newsletter alternatives like Feedly that aggregate content from multiple sources.
With alerts and RSS, the most relevant blog posts come to you automatically based on keywords.
In Summary
Finding exceptional blogs is only the first step. Staying actively engaged is critical for continual learning and growth:
- Make reading time efficient through email subscriptions and alerts.
- Plug into blogger and reader communities for discussion.
- Follow your favorite thought leaders and publications through social media.
- Monitor blogs for future career possibilities or emerging concepts to get ahead.
Keep your finger on the pulse of digital marketing by continually interacting with blogs beyond passive consumption. Their full value comes from active reading and participation.
Key Takeaways – Choosing the Best Digital Marketing Agency Blog
Selecting the right digital marketing blogs to follow is crucial for staying on top of this fast-paced industry. Here are the key takeaways:
- Read blogs to stay educated on latest trends, find creative ideas, learn best practices, and gain customer insight. Leading blogs make continuous learning efficient.
- Focus on blogs relevant to your specific role, industry, company size, and growth stage for maximum impact. The more tailored the content, the easier it is to apply.
- Evaluate writing quality, contributor expertise, post frequency, visual appeal, and actionable advice. The best blogs combine great content with digestible formats.
- Look for blogs that incorporate research, transparency, interactivity, and resources. Data, community, and tools help put insights into practice.
- Curate a shortlist of leading blogs aligned to your interests. Include both general digital marketing blogs as well as niche topics.
- Extract more value by sharing posts socially, commenting, testing tips yourself, and repurposing content internally. Active reading builds skills.
- After identifying your roster, stay engaged through email subscriptions, alerts, social media, online communities, and job boards. Ongoing participation ensures you continuously learn and grow as the industry evolves.
Following the premier digital marketing blogs makes scaling your expertise achievable. Focus your reading to become a more empowered marketer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions around selecting and getting value from digital marketing blogs:
How many blogs should I follow?
Include a mix of general and niche blogs for balance. Aim for 5-7 core blogs to start. Over time, you can add more on specific topics as needed. Having too many will dilute your attention.
Should I read every single post from a blog?
It’s fine to skip posts if the topic doesn’t apply to you. Focus on titles and categories most relevant to your role and goals. Scan email newsletters to identify the can’t-miss content each week.
Is it better to read blogs or learn through courses/certifications?
Both serve different purposes. Blogs provide what’s happening now – the latest trends, news, tactics. More structured learning answers foundations and builds core skills. Use blogs for the pulse of the industry paired with program learning to fill knowledge gaps.
How much time should I dedicate to reading blogs each week?
Aim for at least 15 minutes daily, or 1 hour per week. Consistency is key even if you can only invest a small amount of time. Long-form reading is also great when possible through instapaper or weekend reading time.
How can I remember and implement what I read?
Take simple notes on key takeaways, highlights to share on social media, or questions to follow up on. Put remiders in your work calendar to revisit tactical tips. Discuss posts in team meetings.
Should I comment on blog posts and participate in communities?
Definitely! Discussing what you read reinforces the concepts. Active commenting also builds connections with thought leaders. Just be sure to provide value add vs. only self-promoting.
What if I can’t find a blog specific to my company’s niche?
Start with broader digital marketing blogs that still apply. Talk to industry peers for recommendations. Once you identify influencers, see if they have personal blogs. There may be niche blogs still untapped.
How do I convince others in my company to read blogs?
Share highlights through email, Slack or internal newsletters. Hold lunch & learns reviewing popular posts. Create recommended reading lists by topic and experience level. Lead by example discussing useful takeaways.
When is the right time to start a company blog?
You can launch one immediately to share expertise and start building an audience. But also ensure you have the resources to post consistently and promote the content across channels for maximum impact.