Our Top 10 Posts of This Year - ArcStone's Year in Review

With all the hoopla over year-end trends & 2016 predictions, we decided to look at the trends on our own site. Here are our top 10 blog posts of 2015. Popular topics include Google Analytics best practices, the benefits of hiring a small digital agency and popular apps.

10. A Comparison of Leaders in Marketing Automation Software - Infographic

Marketing Automation Software is used to automate some of your marketing interactions such as email workflows, social media posts, blogging, content offers and build contact records. The infographic above provides a high level comparison of some of the top marketing automation software leaders.

9. Why Hire a Small Digital Agency Next Time Around

We addressed the 5 key benefits to smaller agencies: the people, environment, relationships, specialization, and attention to the individual.  

8. ArcStone Applies for an Unreal Dev Grant

Watch our grant application for an Unreal Engine / Oculus / eCommerce app we're working on. Special shout out to our client and partner on this, Hybrid - thanks guys!

7. Sleeping Outside Along I-94: Youthlink Executive Sleep Out Review

"It's midnight in Downtown Minneapolis, and rather than returning home from an event with family and friends, staying extra vigilant of our surroundings to ensure we're not vulnerable to any potential dangers, I'm laying on the ground with a group of businesspeople, staring up at the solar eclipse. Why? It is part of the 2nd annual fundraiser called "Night of Hope" with local nonprofit, YouthLink. They seek to bring awareness to the issue of homeless youth and raise funds for the cause."   

6. 2015 Content Strategy Prediction: More Interactive & Personalized Content 

One of our predictions for 2015 came true: 'Web content strategy will shift slightly from the "content is king, let's just publish as much good content as humanly possible" method to "personalized, interactive content is king."'

5. Companion, Circle of 6 & Lifeline Response: Apps That Got Your Back

Despite what you may feel keeps you safe when walking alone at night, one of the first pieces of advice given from safety guidelines is to NOT talk on your phone. Having a phone up to your ear or looking down at your screen ends up taking away from your awareness, which attackers often see as a point of weakness. So how can you be safe and even optimize your smart phone's capabilities? Meet Companion, Circle of 6 and LifeLine Response.

4. Google Analytics Setup & Best Practices | Back to the Basics

If you have limited experience with the tool, it can be a little intimidating. Luckily, setting up an account and installing it is actually quite easy! Here’s a basic guide to setting up Google Analytics with best practices in mind.

3. Google AdWords for Nonprofits: Ad Grants & Best Practices [Slideshare]

At the May Minnesota Nonprofits Communication Luncheon, we met some great organizations and learned more about nonprofit needs when it comes to AdWords. Whether you are looking to apply for an Ad Grant or already have an AdWords account, you should find some gems in our slideshare presentation to help improve your campaigns.

2. Choosing A Digital Marketing Agency - ArcStone Unfiltered - Chloe's First Week at ArcStone

"The main question I had before entering my first job out of college was, did I choose the right digital marketing agency and how can I make a difference through digital marketing?... However, as I entered ArcStone that first Monday, numerous aspects revealed to me that I chose the right marketing company. I learned that I will be contributing to a company that makes an amazing impact on people."

1. Essential Analytics: Event Tracking & Virtual Pageviews

Google Analytics captures much of your site’s essential data right out of the box. For other websites, what it won't track without customization can sometimes be some of your most important, influential metrics. When this happens, it's important to understand events & virtual pageviews.