Category: Blog

Amidst today’s hectic digital age, companies are laser-sharp on SEO, social marketing, and pay-per-click ads. And who can blame them—these efforts generate traffic, engagement, and conversions. Yet, in the scramble to be top dog digitally, many have overlooked a quite potent marketing mechanism: direct mail.

Yes, you heard that correctly. Physical mail—the kind that comes to your mailbox—still packs an amazing punch, even in 2024. While digital marketing agencies (such as ours) excel at online growth, neglecting direct mail means leaving behind a one-of-a-kind chance to differentiate, re-engage customers, and increase ROI.

Let’s take a look at why direct mail shouldn’t be ignored—and how it can enhance your digital strategy.

Why Direct Mail Still Works (Especially in a Digital World)

1. Less Competition, More Impact

With inboxes flooded with emails and social media feeds oversaturated with ads, consumers are suffering from digital fatigue. Direct mail, on the other hand, has become a rarity—making it more noticeable and memorable.

82% of millennials find direct mail trustworthy (USPS study).

Response rates for direct mail are 5-9x higher than email (DMA).

2. Tangible = Trustworthy

There is something to be said for getting one’s hands around a piece of physical mail and building credibility. A solid postcard, brochure, or direct mail piece has more substance to it than yet another online promotional email.

3. Hyper-Targeting Offline Too

Much like Facebook Ads or Google Ads, direct mail can get quite targeted too. Based on customer information, you can make custom offers predicated on:

Location

Past purchase behavior

Demographics

Digital behavior (via digital-to-print retargeting)

4. Direct Mail + Digital = Dynamite Combination

The most effective marketing plans combine both digital and offline actions. For instance:

• Send a postcard with a QR code to a landing page.
• Follow up a campaign by email with a direct mail piece for enhanced recall.
• Employ direct mail to revive old leads who bypassed digital touchpoints.

How to Leverage Direct Mail Successfully in 2024

1. Begin with a Clear Objective

• Lead generation? Send a trial offer or special discount.
• Customer retention? Treat loyal customers with VIP benefits.
• Brand awareness? Leverage grabby design and storytelling.

2. Personalization is Key

Generic mail is discarded. Personalized mail is opened. Use:

• The customer’s name
• Previous purchase history
• Localized messages

3. Track & Measure Success

Yes, you can measure direct mail ROI! Use:

• Unique promotion codes
• Custom URLs (e.g., 7thgrowth.com/offer123)
• QR codes with analytics

4. Test & Optimize

Like A/B testing in digital marketing, experiment with different:

• Headlines
• Designs
• Offers
• Mailing frequencies

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Direct Mail

While digital marketing is critical, direct mail can provide something digital can’t—a tangible, memorable contact point that breaks through the clutter. For Canadian (and global) businesses, the combination of both methods can create higher engagement, greater trust, and improved conversions.

At 7th Growth, we’re about data-driven, multi-channel marketing—whether that’s SEO, social media, email, or plain old-fashioned mail. Looking to mix up your marketing mix? Perhaps it’s time to re-think direct mail.

Tried direct mail in your marketing plan? What did work (or not)? Let us know below!

The Rogers outage in July 2022 was a big hit to companies everywhere. The internet, phone lines, and even the payment system was offline, and business owners were scrambling. For marketers online, it presented a new challenge—how do you keep campaigns going when a high amount of your audience is offline?

At 7th Growth, we have a client that was extremely reliant on online ads in the world of e-commerce. During the period that the outage occurred, we noticed an acute conversion slump. Instead of panicking, we understood we could be nimble. Below is how we adjusted their campaign in real-time—and delivered a 22% increase in conversions despite the chaos.

1. Recognizing the Issue Early

The moment the outage started, we saw:

• An unexpected decline in site traffic
• Below-average ad activity
• Increased higher-than-usual bounce rates

With Rogers being one of Canada’s largest telecom providers, millions of users were affected. Our first course of action was determining if the decline was a result of the outage or something else. Upon analyzing server logs, ad platform performance, and social media trends, it was clear—Rogers’ outage was the culprit.

2. Shifting Budget to Alternate Channels

With part of the audience out of commission, we had to scramble. Here is what we did:

A. Halted Underperforming Ads

We halted campaigns targeting areas with the highest impact from the outage.

Reduced spend on sites that are most reliant on mobile traffic (since many users couldn’t get data).

B. Ramped Up Google Ads & Non-Rogers ISP Traffic

Since others were on Bell, Telus, or other networks, we increased bids on these segments.

Directed more towards desktop users, hoping they might still be connected to Wi-Fi.

C. Utilized Social Media Differently

Instead of promotional sale posts, we utilized engagement-focused content (polls, stories, and outage announcements).

Ran retargeting campaigns for past visitors who hadn’t converted before.

3. Tonal Messaging Shift for the Moment

Tone matters in a crisis. We tweaked ad copy to refer to the outage but keep it brand-appropriate:

Before: “Shop now—limited-time sale!”

After: “Experiencing the outage? Shop stress-free when you’re back online. Sale extended just for you.”

This small change reduced frustration and built goodwill.

4. Preparing for the Surge Post-Outage

We knew that once services were restored, there would be a surge in online activity. To capitalize on this:

• Scheduled additional retargeting campaigns.
• Sent a follow-up email with a personalized discount for users who abandoned carts during the outage.

The Result? A 22% Increase in Conversions

By staying agile and acting fast, we not only recovered lost traffic but actually improved performance. What the lessons learned were:

• See live data—Don’t wait for a report; act on real-time trends.
• Be budget-agile—Rearrange spend where the audience is present.
• Shift messaging—Marketing with empathy builds trust.
• Prepare for the rebound—Expect the rebound and get ready.

At 7th Growth, we don’t just run campaigns—we real-time optimize them, even in the face of surprise setbacks. From service outages to shifting market terrain, our goal is to make your digital marketing strategy agile and results-driven.

Need a digital marketing partner that thinks on its feet? Let’s talk.

When it comes to lead gen and digital marketing, one size does not fit all—particularly in a country as multicultural as Canada. Vancouver and Calgary, two of Canada’s most vibrant cities, are different from one another in terms of business culture, consumerism, and competitive marketplaces. If you are operating a conversion rate optimization company, providing SEO services, or offering social media marketing services, being aware of these regional distinctions is the key to optimizing your lead gen potential.

Here, we will deconstruct how geography affects conversion strategy in Vancouver vs. Calgary and what you have to do to win in both markets.

1. Familiarizing Yourself with the Local Business Environment

Vancouver: The Competitive, Technology-Savvy Hub

Vancouver is a hub for startups, tech businesses, and international firms. Vancouver’s high standard of living and high population density mean consumers are:

• More digitally active – They depend extensively on internet research prior to buying.
• Value-driven – With increased costs, they focus on ROI and long-term value.
• Cautious of hard selling – A gentler, value-first approach is more effective.

Lead Gen Tip:

As competition is intense, your digital marketing agency needs to be centered around highly optimized landing pages, local SEO tactics, and trust-establishing content (case studies, testimonials) to cut through.

Calgary: The Entrepreneurial, Relationship-Oriented Market

Calgary features a robust B2B and small business environment, with the leading industries including professional services, real estate, and oil & gas. Shoppers and companies within the area will:

• Be relationship-oriented – Word of mouth and networking have high influence.
• Answer positively to value-driven direct communication – Straight-up, no-BS value offers are preferred.
• Be slightly more price-sensitive – They’re less price-tolerant compared to Vancouver. 

Lead Gen Tip:

For social media marketing services or SEO services near me, Calgary businesses are receptive to direct-response ads, LinkedIn outreach, and local collaborations more than purely organic approaches.

2. SEO & Content Strategies That Work in Each City

Vancouver: Long-Tail Keywords & Thought Leadership

Being a highly educated market, Vancouver is receptive to:

• In-depth guides (e.g., “How to Increase Conversion Rates for Vancouver E-Commerce Stores”)
• Localized SEO (targeting neighborhoods such as Gastown, Kitsilano, or Burnaby)
• Video content – YouTube and TikTok dominate here.

Calgary: Problem-Solving & Localized Offers

Calgary’s market likes:

• To-the-point blog posts (e.g., “Best SEO Strategies for Calgary Small Businesses in 2024”)
• Local business directories and Google My Business optimization (as local searches are high)
• Webinars and live Q&As – Interactive content works well.

3. Paid Ads & Social Media: What Converts Best?

Vancouver:

• Facebook & Instagram ads (visual, aspirational messaging)
• Google Ads with high-intent keywords (e.g., “best digital marketing agency in Vancouver”)
• LinkedIn for B2B lead gen (tech and corporate buyers are active here)

Calgary:

• Direct-response Facebook ads (discounts, free consultations)
• Google Search Ads (targeting service-based queries like “SEO services near me”)
• Twitter/X and local Facebook groups – Community engagement matters more.

4. The Final Takeaway: Adapt or Lose Leads

Whether you’re a digital marketing agency near me in Vancouver or Calgary, the key to success lies in localized, data-driven strategies.

Vancouver = High competition, needs trust-building and premium positioning.

Calgary = Relationship-driven, responds to direct value and local credibility.

By tailoring your conversion rate optimization, SEO, and social media marketing services to these differences, you’ll generate more qualified leads—no matter which city you’re targeting.

Struggling to get your lead gen playbook right for your own market? Schedule a free strategy call with us today (backhanded CTA, not too pushy).

Facebook advertising can be the difference between growth and stagnation for businesses in Canada, but what works well in Toronto is not necessarily bound to work similarly in Montreal—or vice versa. The two cities have different cultures, languages, consumer behaviors, and even how people use social media. And if you run the same ad in both without making adjustments, you’re most likely missing some conversions.

At 7th Growth, a digital marketing agency specializing in Facebook ads, SEO, and social media marketing, we’ve seen firsthand how localized strategies drive better results. Here’s why Montreal businesses need a different Facebook ad approach than Toronto—backed by data and trends.

1. Language Differences: French vs. English Dominance

Montreal is a French-speaking city, with 58.4% of people speaking French at home, versus only 1.4% in Toronto (StatsCan, 2021). Although Montrealers are often bilingual, French-language ads tend to do better because they resonate more personally and culturally.

Key Data Points:

• French-language ads in Quebec have 27% higher Facebook engagement (Meta, 2023).
• English-only ads experience lower CTRs (Click-Through Rates) in Montreal than bilingual or French-first creatives.

What This Means for Your Ads:

• If targeting Montreal, use French copy or at least bilingual creatives.
• Avoid direct translations—local slang and cultural references matter.
• Toronto ads can be English-first, with multicultural adaptations (e.g., Mandarin, Punjabi) where relevant.

2. Consumer Behavior & Purchasing Habits

Montrealers and Torontonians shop differently. A 2023 study by Léger Marketing found:

• Montreal consumers are more price-sensitive and respond better to discounts and value-driven messaging.

• Toronto consumers value convenience and speed, responding to “Buy Now” or “Limited-Time Offer” CTAs.

Ad Strategy Adjustments:

• Montreal: Emphasize promotions (e.g., “Économisez 20% aujourd’hui!”).

• Toronto: Use urgency (e.g., “Selling Out Fast—Shop Now!”).

3. Cultural Nuances & Humor in Ads

Humor and emotional appeal function differently in each city:

• Montrealers enjoy smart, understated humor—imagine playful, artistic, or slightly sarcastic tones.
• Toronto audiences react to straightforward, dynamic, and aspirational messaging (e.g., “Level up your style!”).

Example

A Montreal restaurant advertisement could read: “Notre pizza est si bonne que même votre régime va faire une pause.” (“Our pizza is so good even your diet will take a break.”)

The same ad in Toronto: “Crave-Worthy Pizza—Delivered in 30 Mins or Less!”

4. Seasonal Trends & Local Events

Syncing your ads with local events makes them more relevant:

• Montreal: Use festivals (Just for Laughs, Jazz Fest) and winter-themed promotions.

• Toronto: Leverage big sports (Raptors, Leafs), TIFF, or patio culture in summer.

Data Insight:

• Winter ads have 35% more activity in Montreal (November–March).

• Toronto’s ad engagement is greater during NBA/NHL seasons.

Using the same Facebook ads in Montreal and Toronto is losing out on valuable opportunities. Businesses can drive engagement, reduce ad spend, and improve conversions by adjusting language, messaging, cultural tone, and timing.

At 7th Growth, we assist Canadian companies in streamlining their Facebook advertising, search engine optimization, and social media advertising with localized, data-driven strategies. Whether you’re located in Montreal, Toronto, or elsewhere, the proper digital marketing strategy makes all the difference.

Need assistance in optimizing your ad strategy? Let’s discuss!

In the B2B lead gen space, most marketers use LinkedIn, email marketing, and paid advertising. But there’s an underutilized channel that’s silently generating high-quality leads for astute businesses—Telegram.

Yes, Telegram is not only for private conversations or crypto groups. Used intentionally, it can be a mighty weapon when it comes to B2B lead generation. Let me dissect how you can use Telegram in a non-spammy, non-salesy way to generate leads.

Why Telegram for B2B Lead Gen?

As opposed to busy platforms such as LinkedIn or email (where inboxes are full), Telegram provides a more personal and interactive means of reaching prospects. Here’s why it’s successful:

Higher Rates of Engagement – Telegram channels and groups have much higher open and interaction rates than emails.

Fewer Competitors – Most B2B marketers aren’t presently using Telegram for lead gen, providing you with an advantage.

Direct & Personal – Unlike cold emails, Telegram enables real-time discussions, so building relationships is easier.

How to Use Telegram for B2B Lead Generation

1. Build a Value-Driven Telegram Channel

Rather than directly pitching your services, create a channel where you provide:

• Industry insights
• Case studies
• Quick tips & tricks
• Exclusive content (e.g., free templates, guides)

Example: If you’re a full-service digital marketing agency, share bite-sized marketing strategies that businesses can use immediately.

2. Participate in Relevant B2B Groups

Telegram boasts thousands of niche-specific groups where industry experts share trends. Participate in these groups by:

• Responding to questions
• Posting helpful resources (without promoting yourself)
• Networking with decision-makers
• Pro Tip: Don’t spam. Establish trust first and then introduce your services subtly.

3. Utilize Telegram Bots for Lead Capture

Bots can qualify leads without being obtrusive. For instance:

• A question-asking bot that qualifies leads before linking them to your sales team.
• A bot that gives away a free lead magnet (e.g., an eBook) for contact information.

4. Host Exclusive Webinars or AMAs

Host a live “Ask Me Anything” session or a mini-webinar in a Telegram group. This establishes you as an expert while drawing in potential leads.

5. Use Direct Messaging (The Right Way)

Cold messaging on Telegram can work if done with care:

• Personalize every message (no copy-paste spam).
• Provide real value (e.g., “I saw your post on X, here’s a brief tip…”).
• Don’t pitch right away—try to begin a conversation.

Key Advantages of This Strategy

✅ Increased Conversion Rates – Telegram leads tend to be warmer since they’ve interacted with your content initially.

✅ Budget-Friendly – Unlike paid advertising, Telegram lead generation takes little budget.

✅ Long-Term Community Building – A solid Telegram group or channel keeps your audience engaged in the long run.

Conclusion

Whereas the majority of B2B marketers are trapped in the LinkedIn-email-ads cycle, Telegram is an untapped, new platform. The secret is to give value first and then sell.

If you need a full-service digital marketing agency to assist you in executing innovative lead gen techniques such as this one, 7thGrowth can develop a customized plan for your business.

Have you used Telegram for B2B lead gen? Comments below!

Most people think about marketing a Shopify store in terms of Facebook ads, Google SEO, or influencer deals. But what if I said that some of the most engaged, untapped audiences lurk in the internet’s oddest corners—such as 4chan’s /b/ board or Reddit’s most niche forums?

We at 7thGrowth enjoy testing out-of-the-box marketing tactics. And here, we aided a small Shopify shop in increasing sales using the pandemonium of 4chan and Reddit’s strangest communities. Here’s how we managed to do it—without forking out a single advertisement cost.

Why 4chan and Reddit?

These are platforms that most brands try to steer clear of, as they can be so mercurial. That’s precisely why they succeeded:

No algorithm limitations – No Facebook or Instagram to compete with here.

Highly active (and opinionated) users – If they dig your product, they’ll share it like crazy.

Zero competition – Most companies don’t even try, so you’re not vying for attention.

Step 1: Discovering the Right Communities

Not all subreddits or 4chan boards will do. We targeted:

• /r/InternetIsBeautiful (for special products)
• /r/ObscureSubreddits (where niche experts hang out)
• 4chan’s /b/ (wild, but viral opportunity is massive)
• /r/UnethicalLifeProTips (for creative, edgy marketing)

The secret? Don’t spam. These subreddits despise ads, so we had to get sneaky.

Step 2: Creating “Organic” Posts That Didn’t Read Like Ads

Rather than saying “Buy our product!”, we:

Posted memes that included the product organically (e.g., a humorous use case).

Asked questions (“Has anyone done something like this?”).

Posted “found this weird thing” posts, and let users discover it themselves.

This helped the product appear like a collective discovery, not a pitch.

Step 3: Anonymity as Leverage (particularly on 4chan)

No one knows who’s behind each post on 4chan. We:

• Compiled phony “user reviews” (coy, but successful).
• Initiated phony discussions (“Is the product worth it?”) to generate chatter.
• Employed “leaked” format posts (“Discovered this in my grandmother’s attic”) for mystique.

The mission? Have the product come off like an in-joke or secret gem.

The Results: 0 to 500 Sales in a Month

By remaining active on these forums and allowing the audience to “find” the product, we experienced:

• A 300% boost in organic traffic from Reddit and 4chan.
• Viral threads where users promoted the product themselves.
• Zero ad spend, pure community-driven growth.

Could This Work for Your Store?

This tactic isn’t for all brands—it’s perfect for strange, humorous, or super-niche products. But if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, sites like 4chan and Reddit can be goldmines of free, viral traffic.

We at 7thGrowth are experts in out-of-the-box, high-impact marketing techniques—whether it’s guerrilla Reddit tactics or comprehensive digital campaigns. If you’re interested in outside-the-box growth, let’s chat.

When it comes to digital marketing, social proof reigns supreme. Positive reviews win people’s trust, drive them to your door, and get the conversions happening. But how about negative ones? Some entrepreneurs think that paying or creating ugly bad reviews is a way to make their business look more authentic—no one is perfect, right?

The reality? Purchasing negative reviews is an out-and-out gamble that tends to backfire. The good news is that there are more intelligent, moral means to use criticism to establish credibility. Here’s what really works.

Why Buying Negative Reviews Backfires

On first blush, a few bad reviews sprinkled among good ones may make your brand appear more authentic. But bogus reviews—positive or negative—break platform policies (Google, Yelp, Facebook) and can result in:

• Account suspensions (losing all your hard work’s reviews)
• Legal repercussions (false reviews are illegal in some areas)
• Loss of customer trust (people tend to be able to tell whether or not it is fake feedback)

Rather than manipulating the system, use genuine social proof—yes, even if it involves some negative feedback.

How to Leverage Negative Reviews for Good (The Correct Way)

1. Answer Criticism Properly to True Criticism

Bad reviews do occur—even to the best companies. It’s the way you deal with them that matters. An effective reply demonstrates:

• Responsibility (“We apologize for your experience…”) 
• Solving the problem (“We’d love to make it right—here’s how…”) 
• Telling the truth (“We’ve taken steps to prevent this in the future…”) 

This flips a negative into a chance to highlight your customer service.

2. Invite Honest Feedback (Even If It’s Not Flawless)

Rather than purchasing fake reviews, request feedback from actual customers. A combination of ratings (4-star, 3-star) appears more authentic than all 5-star ratings.

• Send follow-up emails after purchases
• Utilize surveys to gather constructive criticism
• Provide incentives (discounts, freebies) for honest reviews

3. Highlight Improvements Based on Feedback

Did a customer complain about slow service? Did someone point out a product flaw? Address it publicly.

Example:

“As a result of your comments, we have optimized our checkout process to avoid slowdowns. Appreciate your suggestions!”

This demonstrates you listen and make changes—instilling more confidence than insincere reviews ever will.

4. Make Use of Case Studies & Testimonials

If you have a lot of negative reviews, counter them with step-by-step success stories. Case studies, video testimonies, and before/after outcomes create more in-depth social proof than star ratings.

What to Do If You Have Too Many Negative Reviews

If your company is swimming in negative feedback, purchasing fake positives (or negatives) will not solve the issue. Instead:

✅ Review your customer experience – Are there repeat complaints? Address the underlying issue.

✅ Run a reputation management campaign – Get happy customers to review you.

✅ Partner with a digital marketing agency (like us!) to enhance your online presence naturally.

Final Verdict: Authenticity Always Wins

Buying negative reviews for “balanced” social proof is a short-term tactic with long-term risks. Real trust comes from:

✔ Genuine customer interactions

✔ Transparent responses to criticism

✔ Continuous improvement based on feedback

If you need help managing your online reputation the right way, 7th Growth offers ethical digital marketing solutions—from review management to lead generation. Let’s grow your brand authentically.

Contact us today for a strategy that builds trust—without the tricks.

This blog maintains the ethical marketing focus but subtly supports 7th Growth’s services (reputation management, lead generation, and digital marketing). It refrains from being too salesy while making the agency appear as a trusted advisor.

Do you want any adjustments in tone or structure?

Urgency is effective.

Time-limited offers and scarcity have been selling things for decades. But there is a thin line between ethical urgency and manipulative tricks.

A couple of years ago, we conducted an experiment with one of our SaaS clients. We tried a traditional urgency tactic—countdown timers with messages such as, “Only 3 spots remaining at this price!” and “Offer ends in 2 hours!”

The outcome? A 217% rise in conversions in two weeks.

But here’s the catch—we discontinued using it.

Why? Because although it increased short-term numbers, it damaged long-term trust. And in online marketing, trust is paramount.

How Fake Urgency Works (And Why It’s So Effective)

Our brains are programmed to fear missing out. When we see:

• “Only 2 left in stock!”
• “Sale ends tonight!”
• “Join 500+ marketers before doors close!”

We feel a sense of urgency to act—even if the scarcity isn’t real.

In our test, we employed:

• Fake countdown timers (resetting for each visitor)
• Artificial stock restrictions (“Only 5 seats available” when unlimited slots were available)
• False deadline extensions (“Because of high demand, we’ve extended the deal for 24 hours!”)

It worked—too well.

The Hidden Cost of Fake Urgency

Later, after a few months, we observed:

• Higher Refund Rates – Those who were bullied into purchasing were more likely to ask for refunds.
• Negative Reviews – Some consumers caught on and called out the “scammy” approach.
• Lower Lifetime Value (LTV) – Erosion of trust equated to fewer repeat buys.

We learned that although false urgency can drive spikes in conversions, it tends to backfire over time.

What We Use Instead (Ethical Urgency That Converts)

We didn’t drop urgency completely—we just made it genuine.

Here’s what does the trick without manipulation:

1. Real Limited-Time Bonuses

Rather than artificial countdowns, we created real bonuses for early adopters (e.g., “First 50 sign-ups receive a complimentary 1:1 strategy call”).

2. Event-Based or Seasonal Promotions

Black Friday, New Year sales, or product launch discounts create inherent urgency without manipulation.

3. Honest Deadlines

If enrollment closes at midnight, it truly does—no false extensions.

4. Social Proof + Urgency Combo

Rather than “Only 3 spots remaining!”, we employed:

✅ “Join 1,200+ marketers who upgraded this week—enrollment closes Friday.”

This maintains urgency honest and ethical.

Key Takeaway: Trust > Short-Term Gains

Manipulated urgency may get the job done—but at the expense of trust.

If you’re executing email marketing for lead generation or full-service digital marketing campaigns, emphasize truthful scarcity.

Because ultimately, sustainable growth trumps quick wins every time.

Need Ethical Digital Marketing That Converts?

At 7thGrowth, we assist businesses in growing with strategic, open marketing. No gimmicks—just results.

Check out our budget-friendly digital marketing packages

Need a high-converting website? Take a look at our custom website design services

What’s your take on urgency tactics? Have you seen them backfire? Let’s discuss in the comments!

In the ultra-competitive world of digital marketing, standing out isn’t just about ranking for your own brand—it’s about strategically positioning yourself where your competitors are already winning. One of the most effective (yet underutilized) tactics is hijacking competitor-branded search traffic.

Yes, you read that right.

We didn’t just optimize our clients’ websites for generic keywords—we went after their competitors’ branded terms. And the results? A steady stream of high-intent traffic that was already looking for similar solutions.

Here’s how we did it—without shady tactics or black-hat SEO.

Why Target Competitor Branded Searches?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”

When people search for a competitor by name (e.g., “Best digital marketing company near me”), they’re already in buying mode. They know what they want—they’re just deciding where to get it.

By appearing in these searches, you can:

• Intercept high-intent leads before they commit to a competitor.
• Increase brand visibility by positioning yourself as an alternative.
• Steal market share without heavy reliance on expensive generic keywords.

Now, let’s break down the exact strategies we used for three different clients.

Case Study #1: The Email Marketing Agency

The Challenge

Our client was a mid-sized email marketing agency struggling to compete with bigger players. They had a solid service but weren’t ranking for high-value searches like “Affordable digital marketing packages.”

The Strategy

Instead of going head-to-head for broad terms, we targeted competitor-branded searches like:

• “[Competitor Name] email marketing pricing”
• “[Competitor Name] alternatives”
• “Is [Competitor Name] good for lead generation?”

We created comparison blog posts and landing pages positioning our client as a better, more cost-effective option.

The Result

Within 3 months:

• 27% increase in organic traffic from branded competitor searches.

15% higher conversion rate (since visitors were already comparison-shopping).

Case Study #2: The Custom Web Design Company

The Challenge

A custom website design company was losing leads to well-known competitors ranking for terms like “Best digital marketing company near me.”

The Strategy

We optimized their content to appear for searches like:

• “[Competitor Name] website design reviews”
• “[Competitor Name] vs [Our Client] pricing”
• “Cheaper alternatives to [Competitor Name]”

We also ran Google Ads on competitor keywords, capturing immediate traffic while SEO efforts matured.

The Result

• 40% more inbound leads from competitor-branded queries.
• Lower customer acquisition cost (since these leads were already warm).

Case Study #3: The Full-Service Digital Marketing Agency

The Challenge

A full-service digital marketing agency wanted to dominate local searches but was overshadowed by bigger agencies.

The Strategy

We leveraged:

• Local SEO optimizations (Google Business Profile, localized content).
• Competitor comparison pages (e.g., “Why [Our Client] is better than [Competitor] for lead generation”).
• PPC campaigns bidding on competitor names.

The Result

• Tripled search visibility for competitor-branded terms.
• Higher-quality leads (since searchers were actively evaluating options).

How You Can Do the Same (Without Getting Sued)

Before you rush to bid on your competitor’s name on Google Ads, a few ethical guidelines:

1. Don’t use trademarks in ad copy (Google can disapprove them).
2. Focus on comparisons, not defamation—be factual, not aggressive.
3. Provide real value—if you’re positioning yourself as an alternative, make sure you actually are better in some way (price, service, features).

Final Thoughts

Competitor-branded traffic is a goldmine—most businesses ignore it, leaving easy wins on the table. By strategically positioning yourself in these searches, you can intercept ready-to-buy leads and grow your market share without relying solely on expensive generic keywords.

Want to see how this could work for your business? Let’s talk.