Most popular marketing blogs of 2017

Christmas decorations up? Festive films watched? Looking for some Christmas holiday marketing reading?

We've been reviewing our Google Analytics reports to bring you our annual rundown of our 12 most popular blog articles from 2017. We cover a variety of digital marketing topics from social to SEO, so grab a mince pie and tuck in!

1. Building a Micro-Agency

This personal blog held the top spot this year! Find out why and how Rebecca established Realise Agency and how working with one can help save a business money as well as delivering return.

2. Top 10 Stock Image Sites

A useful one to bookmark is this handy resource listing all the free stock image sites we have tried and tested for high quality imagery, ideal for use in your content marketing.

3. 2017 - Key Trends

Our annual marketing trends updates are always among the top 5 most popular posts on our website, offering a chance for marketers and business owners to get key marketing actions lined up for the new year. At the start of 2017 we predicted key trends like data-driven marketing decisions, the continued growth of paid social and inbound automation.

4. Meet Chloe

We were delighted to welcome our second digital marketing intern this year, with this Q&A post. Chloe joined us from BCU during the summer break in her digital marketing degree.

5. 5 Myths of the Free Marketing Consultation

A handy read for anyone in the process of seeking digital marketing proposals or running a pitch process for a new project, we look at 5 things you may not have thought of about the free consultation.

There are so many reasons why social media is critical for your business. If you need a checklist to show your boss or investors, this should do the trick!

7. What can brands learn from Amazon this Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day is now on the ecommerce calendar alongside Black Friday. Find out how you can leverage the ideas Amazon uses for success in your own business.

8. 3rd Birthday Update

Our third anniversary saw us launch new courses, a coaching service, 'ask us anything about marketing for free' and continue our internship programme.

9. Facebook Live vs YouTube Live

Like it or loathe it, 2017 has been a huge year for live streaming, with social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram's platforms prioritising live video in fans timelines.

10. 8 Benefits of Planning [infographic]

Everyone knows planning is important, but few are able to invest the time and research into effectively planning their marketing for next year. This post summarises the 8 key benefits of creating your annual marketing plan - something we help customers with if you don't have the time or need external expertise.

Ideal to help business owners or marketing directors seeking specialist support in social media, this posts offers a helpful checklist to run through with your shortlisted social media consultants.

12. Top 10 Free Marketing Courses You Can Take Right Now

We've gathered together some of our favourite free resources in digital marketing from key players such as Google, Moz, Smart Insights, Facebook, Hubspot and Social Bakers.

We hope you enjoyed this recap, keep your eyes peeled for more festive reads (signup below to be notified) and happy holidays!

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