Demystifying SEO—A Comprehensive Guide to Search Engine Optimization

Demystifying SEO—A Comprehensive Guide to Search Engine Optimization

by | Sep 25, 2023 | Digital Marketing, Local SEO, SEO, SEO Strategy, Traditional SEO, Website

In the digital age, having a strong online presence is important. Understanding search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for success online, whether you’re a business or an individual. In this blog, we will answer your most frequently asked questions surrounding search engine optimization.

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What is search engine optimization, and what exactly does it do?

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Is SEO paid or free?

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What are SEO examples?

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What are the four types of SEO?
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What are the three main areas of SEO?
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What are your top 3 SEO techniques?
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What are the 5 SEO elements?
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What are the five ingredients for SEO?
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How long does it take to rank #1 on Google?
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What are common SEO mistakes?
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Can I do SEO on my own?
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Contact the experts.

What is search engine optimization, and what exactly does it do?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) aligns marketing efforts with the way people search for information online, making it a cornerstone of digital marketing strategies. SEO does this by improving your website and content to rank higher in search results and get more organic traffic. It aims to make your content easily discoverable on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. It involves various techniques and strategies aimed at attracting organic (unpaid) traffic to your website. These strategies make your content more relevant and appealing to search engine algorithms.

 

Is SEO paid or free?

Search engine optimization encompasses both paid and free elements. The primary focus, however, is on organic (unpaid) search results.

You don’t pay search engines to rank higher naturally. However, there may be expenses for SEO tools. Additionally, creating content and reaching out may also incur costs.

What are SEO examples?

Examples of search engine optimization practices include:

  • Optimizing your website’s meta tags, including title tags and meta descriptions.
  • Creating high-quality blog posts and pages with relevant keywords.
  • Building high-authority backlinks from reputable websites.
  • Improving website load times and mobile responsiveness.

These examples demonstrate how search engine optimization works in real-world applications.

What are the four types of SEO?

We can categorize search engine optimization into four main types:

  • On-Page SEO—This involves optimizing individual web pages for specific keywords, improving content quality, and optimizing meta-information.
  • Off-Page SEO—It focuses on building backlinks and enhancing the online reputation and authority of your website.
  • Technical SEO—This aspect improves the website’s infrastructure and performance, ensuring it is search engine-friendly.
  • Local SEO—Tailored for local businesses, it enhances visibility in local search results, crucial for attracting nearby customers.

Understanding these types of search engine optimization helps you develop a holistic optimization strategy.

What are the three main areas of SEO?

The three primary areas of SEO are:

  • Technical SEO—This focuses on ensuring your website is technically sound, including aspects like site speed, mobile optimization, and structured data.
  • On-Page SEO—It involves optimizing individual pages by strategically placing keywords, improving content quality, and optimizing meta-information.
  • Off-Page SEO—This includes activities like building backlinks from authoritative sources and enhancing your website’s online reputation.

What are your top 3 seo techniques?

Three effective search engine optimization techniques include:

  • Keyword Research—Identifying relevant keywords with search volume and aligning your content strategy with them
  • Content Creation—Developing valuable, informative, and engaging content that addresses the needs and questions of your target audience
  • Link Building—Getting good backlinks from trusted sites to boost your domain authority and enhance your site’s visibility in search results

What are the five seo elements?

The five essential search engine optimization elements are:

  • Keywords—Selecting and strategically using keywords relevant to your content and target audience
  • Content—Creating high-quality, user-focused content that satisfies search intent
  • Links—Building authoritative backlinks and internal links
  • Technical Structure—Ensuring your website is technically sound, with fast loading times and mobile optimization
  • User Experience—Enhancing the overall user experience on your website, making it easy to navigate and engaging for visitors

What are the five ingredients for SEO?

Effective search engine optimization requires five key ingredients:

  • Quality Content—Content that is informative, valuable, and user-focused
  • Keyword Optimization—Strategic use of keywords in content and meta-information
  • Backlinks—Building high-quality backlinks to establish authority
  • Technical Optimization—Ensuring your website is technically sound and optimized for search engines
  • User Experience Enhancement—Providing a positive user experience on your website

How long does it take to rank #1 on Google?

The time to rank #1 on Google depends on competition, industry, and the quality of your SEO efforts. It can range from several months to over a year of consistent optimization and content creation.

What are common SEO mistakes?

Common search engine optimization mistakes to avoid include:

  • Keyword stuffing—Overloading content with keywords
  • Neglecting mobile optimization—Not optimizing for mobile devices
  • Ignoring technical SEO—Neglecting website structure and performance
  • Failing to create quality, user-focused content—Prioritizing quantity over quality.

Can I do SEO on my own?

Yes, individuals and small businesses can perform search engine optimization on their own. You can learn and implement basic SEO techniques, such as optimizing on-page elements and creating high-quality content. However, for more advanced strategies and in competitive industries, consulting with search engine optimization experts or agencies will be beneficial.

Contact the experts.

Search engine optimization is a dynamic and essential aspect of online marketing. By learning and using effective strategies, you can make your website more visible, attract more visitors, and achieve your online goals. Are you ready to get your business search engine optimized? Contact the experts at Root & Roam today!

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How to Market a YouTube Channel – Strategies for Success

How to Market a YouTube Channel – Strategies for Success

by | Jun 19, 2023 | Digital Marketing, Videography

In today’s digital landscape, marketing a YouTube channel effectively has become crucial for businesses and content creators alike. YouTube has a large user base and many advertising opportunities. This makes it an ideal platform to promote your channel and reach a wider audience.

This guide will explore strategies, tools, and techniques to improve your YouTube marketing. It will help you make the most of YouTube advertising. Let’s dive in!

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YouTube Video Marketing Services–Boosting Your Channel’s Growth

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YouTube Marketing Tools–Powering Your Advertising Efforts

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Key Elements of a Successful YouTube Marketing Strategy

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YouTube Shorts Advertising–Embracing the Streaming Trend

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Understanding YouTube Advertising–How Does It Work?

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Boosting Your YouTube Advertising Success

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YouTube Advertising–Cost and Pricing

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Mastering YouTube Advertising–Strategies to Elevate Your Channel’s Growth

YouTube Video Marketing Services–Boosting Your Channel’s Growth

When it comes to marketing your YouTube channel, professional video marketing services can provide valuable assistance. These services often offer expertise in creating compelling video content, optimizing video metadata, managing ad campaigns, and analyzing performance metrics. Partnering with a reputable YouTube video marketing service can boost your channel’s visibility. This service can provide you with the team’s experience and industry insights, giving you a competitive edge.

YouTube Marketing Tools–Powering Your Advertising Efforts

To maximize the effectiveness of your YouTube advertising, it is crucial to utilize the right marketing tools. Here are some essential YouTube marketing tools worth considering:

  1. YouTube Analytics–Gain valuable insights into your channel’s performance, audience demographics, and video engagement metrics. Use this data to make informed decisions and optimize your advertising strategy.
  2. Google Trends can help you find popular search queries related to your niche. Leverage trending topics to create content that is timely and relevant to your audience. This will help your content resonate more effectively.
  3. TubeBuddy is a browser extension that helps you optimize your YouTube videos. It provides features such as keyword research, tag suggestions, and competitor analysis.
  4. Canva–Create eye-catching thumbnails and channel art with this user-friendly graphic design tool. Compelling visuals can significantly impact click-through rates and video engagement.
  5. Social Analytics Tool–Monitor your channel’s growth, track competitor statistics, and gain insights into audience behavior and engagement trends.

Key Elements of a Successful YouTube Marketing Strategy

A well-crafted YouTube marketing strategy is crucial for channel growth and engagement. Consider the following elements when developing your strategy:

  1. Define your target audience. Understand who your content is meant to impact, and tailor your videos to their interests, preferences, and pain points.
  2. Maintain a consistent brand identity across your channel by using a compelling logo, color scheme, and visual style. This builds recognition and trust among your audience.
  3. Conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant topics and phrases that resonate with your target audience. Incorporate these keywords into your video titles, descriptions, and tags to enhance search visibility.
  4. Create high-quality video content that is informative and entertaining. This will captivate your viewers and encourage them to subscribe, comment, and share. Consistency and regular uploads are essential for maintaining audience engagement.
  5. Collaborate with other YouTubers or influencers in your niche. This will help you to tap into their audience and expand your reach. Cross-promote with them to further boost your reach. Cross-promotion through shout-outs and collaborations can help you gain subscribers and increase visibility.
  6. Engage with your audience. Respond to comments, interact with your viewers, and build a community around your channel. Engaging with your audience fosters loyalty and encourages them to become advocates for your channel.

    YouTube Shorts Advertising–Embracing the Streaming Trend

    YouTube Shorts, a recent addition to the YouTube platform, has gained tremendous popularity as a short-form video format. Advertisers should be aware of the streaming trend. They can use YouTube Shorts advertising to capture the attention of a younger audience, who are mobile-centric.

    Create short, engaging vertical videos to promote your brand, products, or services. This will maximize your reach on this emerging platform.

      Understanding YouTube Advertising–How Does It Work?

      YouTube advertising functions through various mechanisms:

      1. Choose an ad format to suit your marketing goals and budget. Options include
        • Skippable TrueView ads 
        • Non-skippable in-stream ads 
        • Bumper ads 
        • Discovery ads
      2. Utilize demographic targeting, interest-based targeting, remarketing, placement targeting, and keyword targeting to reach your desired audience effectively.
      3. Set an advertising budget. Choose between CPV or target CPM bidding. This decision depends on the objectives of the campaign.
      4. Measure the performance of your ads using YouTube Analytics. Track metrics such as views, view rate, click-through rate (CTR), average watch time, and engagement to optimize your campaigns.

        Boosting Your YouTube Advertising Success

        To maximize the effectiveness of your YouTube advertising campaigns, consider the following strategies:

        1. Create ads that draw attention and are concise and visually appealing. Make sure they resonate with your target audience and align with their interests.
        2. Include clear and compelling call-to-action (CTA) phrases in your ads. This will encourage viewers to take the desired action, such as subscribing, visiting your website, or making a purchase.
        3. Experiment with different ad formats, targeting options, and messaging to identify the most effective combinations. Continuously analyze and optimize your campaigns based on performance data. This is called A/B testing.
        4. Retarget users who have interacted with your channel or videos in the past. This strategy, remarketing campaigns, can help reinforce your message and increase conversion rates.

          YouTube Advertising–Cost and Pricing

          The cost of advertising on YouTube varies based on factors such as ad format, targeting options, audience reach, and competition. YouTube offers flexible pricing models like cost-per-view (CPV) bidding and target CPM (cost per thousand impressions) bidding. Advertisers have control over their budgets and can set maximum bid limits to align with their marketing goals.

            Mastering YouTube Advertising–Strategies to Elevate Your Channel’s Growth

            YouTube advertising offers tremendous opportunities for businesses and content creators. With a thoughtful approach, compelling content, and continuous optimization, your YouTube channel can thrive in the competitive digital landscape. Contact Root & Roam today to start implementing these insights, and watch your channel soar to new heights!

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              Typography—A Creative’s Guide to the Art of Arranging Text

              Typography—A Creative’s Guide to the Art of Arranging Text

              by | May 4, 2023 | Branding, Graphic Design, Website

              At Root & Roam Integrated Marketing Agency, typography is a fundamental element of our work. It’s the art and technique of arranging type, or text, to create visually-appealing and easy-to-read designs. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the history of typography, its importance in web design, the benefits of hierarchy, and five basic typography rules that we follow.

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              A Brief History of Typography

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              Typography and Fonts on the Internet

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              The Benefit of Hierarchy

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              Five Basic Typography Rules

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              Get the Most Out of Your Typography

              A Brief History of Typography

              The history of typography dates back to the invention of writing itself. As researchers have seen, the earliest typefaces were carved into stone or wood and later printed using movable type. With the invention of the printing press, typography changed the way books were produced, making them more accessible and affordable to the masses.

              Typography and Fonts on the Internet

              We never overlook the importance of typography in website design. Choosing the right font for a website can greatly affect its readability and usability. With the internet, we have access to a vast array of fonts and typefaces, but we must also consider the legibility of the font on different devices and screen sizes. At Root & Roam, we carefully select fonts that are visually appealing and easy to read on all devices.

              The Benefit of Hierarchy

              Hierarchy (elements that show importance in the design as a whole such as color, contrast, and alignment),  is a critical element in typography, and it’s essential to consider when designing. It helps the reader navigate and understand the content. We use hierarchy to enhance the visual appeal of our designs and to improve the readability of the text. We achieve this by using different font sizes, weights, and colors to create a visual hierarchy.

              Five Basic Typography Rules

              The designers here at Root & Roam follow these five basic typography rules to create visually-appealing and easy-to-read designs:

              1. Use readable fonts. It’s important to choose fonts that are easy to read, especially for long blocks of text.

              2. Limit the number of fonts. To create a cohesive look, it’s best to stick to one or two fonts.

              3. Use appropriate font sizes. Different font sizes create a visual hierarchy and improve readability.

              4. Use appropriate font weights. Bold or italic fonts can be used to emphasize important text.

              5. Use appropriate line spacing. Sufficient line spacing improves legibility and readability.

              Get the Most Out of Your Typography

              Typography is a critical element of our design process. By understanding the history of typography, its importance in web design, the benefits of hierarchy, and by following basic typography rules, we create visually-appealing and easy-to-read designs. Typography is an art, and we pride ourselves in our ability to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed.

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              Design Trends for 2023-A Look into the Future

              Design Trends for 2023-A Look into the Future

              by | Apr 5, 2023 | Branding, Graphic Design, Website

              In today’s world, staying ahead of design trends is a crucial part of building a successful brand. With new technologies and changing business landscapes, design is constantly evolving. Root and Roam Integrated Marketing Agency is committed to keeping up with the latest trends to ensure our clients stay ahead of the competition. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the design trends we expect to see in 2023.

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              Minimalism

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              Bold Colors

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              3D Design

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              Augmented Reality

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              Looking To The Future

              Minimalism

              Minimalism has been a popular design trend for several years now, and we expect it to continue this year. The use of simple, clean lines and minimal color palettes can create a modern, sophisticated look that appeals to consumers. Brands like Apple and Google have successfully incorporated minimalism into their branding and marketing, using clean, uncluttered designs to communicate their messages.

              Bold Colors

              Another trend we expect to see in 2023 is the use of bold, vibrant colors. Bright, eye-catching hues can make a brand stand out and grab the attention of potential customers. Brands like Coca-Cola and Airbnb have used bold colors effectively in their branding and marketing, creating a memorable visual identity that sticks in consumers’ minds.

              3D Design

              Advancements in technology have led to the growing popularity of 3D design and AI. 3D design can be used to create more immersive, engaging marketing materials, such as product animations and interactive websites. Brands like Nike and Mercedes-Benz have used 3D design to create stunning, memorable marketing campaigns that capture the attention of consumers.

              Augmented Reality

              Augmented reality (AR) is another trend. AR can be used to create interactive experiences for consumers, allowing them to engage with a brand in a new and exciting way. Brands like Ikea and Sephora have successfully incorporated AR into their marketing, using it to create engaging and unforgettable experiences for their customers.

              Looking to the Future

              As we look to the future, it’s clear that design will continue to play a crucial role in building successful brands. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends, businesses can ensure that they’re communicating their messages effectively and engaging with their target audiences. At Root and Roam Integrated Marketing Agency, we’re committed to helping our clients stay ahead of the curve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you build a strong, effective brand that stands out in a crowded marketplace.

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              GA4

              GA4

              by | Dec 19, 2022 | Lead Generation, Website

              As a business owner, you may have heard of the change that is on the horizon. The coming of the new age is upon us, and on July 1st of 2023, Google will officially move away from Universal Analytics (UA) and transition into Google Analytics 4 (GA4). You may be wondering to yourself, “what does this mean for me and my business?” No need to worry! Root and Roam is here to help.

              While the full step-by-step of changes and differences can be found in google support, we wanted to highlight the biggest changes that may affect you most. In this blog we will cover:

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              What is GA4?

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              What is changing from UA to GA4?

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              How and when to set up GA4.

              WHAT IS GA4?

              Google Analytics 4, also known as GA4, is Google’s next generation of analytics. Within this new platform, Google will track event-based data from BOTH websites and apps. GA4 has made it possible to collect both website- and app-based data to better your understanding of your customer’s journey and behavior. With the fear of personal data sharing rising, GA4 has created a property that mitigates this behavior and tracks cookieless measurement as well as behavioral and conversational modeling. Within their predictive capabilities, GA4 now offers guidance without having to work through complex models: Introducing the next generation of Analytics, Google Analytics 4 (GA4) – Analytics Help

              WHAT IS CHANGING FROM UA TO GA4?

              One of the biggest changes coming to GA4 is the tracking of events. In the old Universal Analytic properties, each event had a Category, Action, and Label with their own hit type. In the new GA4 properties, every hit type now triggers an event in your analytics. GA4 events don’t register Category, Action, and Label. Ultimately, we will need to rethink our data collection to now fit the new GA4 event structure instead of using the same data collection structure we used in Universal Analytics. 

              Another key component with GA4 is the integration of both web- and app-based data. Before, Universal Analytics would solely track what was happening on your website, and you would have to track your app-based data through firebase. GA4 has combined both features to show all your data in one place. 

              GA4 will provide simplified reports. Previously, Universal Analytics would show you multiple lists and reports that could be intimidating to some business owners due to the vast amount of data being thrown at you. GA4 will track the key metrics it thinks you will be interested in and will provide simplified reports to speed up your data-tracking process. This new feature can be seen as good or bad, but for the majority of people, it will make Google analytics much easier to understand. For the more experienced data expert, GA4 will come with a new analysis tool that allows you to drill into your data and get the more advanced metric you may be looking for. GA4 will also track more events by default without extra coding, whereas in Universal Analytics you had to implement code to track things like outbound clicks, site searches, video engagements, etc. GA4 automatically tracks these events without the headache of adding code to your site. A more technical breakdown of differences can be found through Googles Analytic Help section.

              HOW AND WHEN TO SET UP GA4

              While the official date of transition is July 1st 2023, we here at Root & Roam suggest preparing your business for the switch today. With Google understanding that this is a big change for most companies, they have made it so that both properties can run side-by-side while you and your employees get used to the change. One of the biggest reasons we suggest adding GA4 today is that there is no upgrade plan from UA to GA4, meaning that you will not be able to compare historical UA data to the new GA4 data. With that being said, installing the GA4 tag today allows your business to begin tracking data for the future to better understand your month-over-month, and eventually year-over-year data.

              Another reason we suggest installing GA4 today is to get yourself up to par on all of the differences before Universal Analytics is shut down. With both platforms running side by side, both you and your team can take this time to compare the two properties and get comfortable with using GA4. Another key fact is that GA4 doesn’t currently offer everything that Universal Analytics offers. Some metrics are still being added and upgraded on the GA4 platform, so having your old Universal Analytics account will ensure that you aren’t missing any data before the transition.

              With the world of analytics changing rapidly, we at Root & Roam understand that GA4 installation and reporting can be difficult. If you or your business need any help or guidance in this transition, feel free to reach out and talk to one of our experts!

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                Wireframing

                Wireframing

                by | Oct 4, 2022 | Website

                Wireframing your project can be helpful to your team. What may feel like an extra step will help in the long run to communicate purpose, placement, and action.

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                What is wireframing?

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                How to make a wireframe?

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                How to read a wireframe

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                Key takeaways

                What is wireframing?

                A wireframe is a two-dimensional creation of a digital or print design that focuses on content, call to action, placement, spacing, and functionality. Wireframes also establish the interaction between the user and the page.

                Making a wireframe is important to your project because it helps you plan ahead what your project needs to work and what it should include before you think about aesthetics, branding, and imagery. Wireframing needs no special software, just a place you can quickly think out ideas and identify your key elements of the page.

                Wireframing is a tool that a team of designers, developers, and users can use as a blueprint for their project.

                Wireframes include but are not limited to:

                • image placement
                • call to action button
                • location and placement of copy
                • navigation placement
                • logos
                • search field
                • breadcrumb
                • headers, including page title as the H1 and subheads H2-Hx
                • navigation systems, including global navigation and local navigation
                • 1234
                • body content
                • share buttons
                • contact information
                • footer

                How to make a wireframe?

                This is a hot topic with lots of suggestions on the internet for software and technology, but the only thing you need to make a wireframe is your brain. Low fidelity wireframes can be sketched out on a piece of paper. High fidelity wireframes can be more thoughtful on a digital platform, but the results are the same. Digital software allows easy collaboration and duplication, but starting with sketches may help you think through your customer’s journey. There isn’t a wrong way to make a wireframe, but below are the steps I typically take.

                1. Sketch out a low fidelity wireframe to think through the customer journey, needs, and channels.
                2. Recreate the sketch in a high fidelity wireframe using a collaborative software such as Adobe XD.
                3. Illustrate the user experience above the scroll, and connect any interactions in the prototype tab.
                4. Try making wireframes using a phone first, since this is the most typical digital use and the most challenging for accommodating information.
                5. Share the wireframe with your team or client, making sure they have a place to give feedback and adjustments.
                6. Revise and approve.

                Once your wireframes are approved, start working on design and development.

                How to read a wireframe?

                Remember—wireframes are meant to provide just a little information, so make sure you are asking the right questions when you are looking at a wireframe. Make sure you can navigate through the customer journey and make sense of placement.

                Rectangles with X often represent photos, and buttons are symbolized with a rectangle. Below are some awesome resources from Adobe that identify the symbols and uses: {Download these Free Resources from Adobe.}

                Summary—Don’t be afraid of wireframes. The time they require can be intimidating at first, but the time they save in communication will be essential in later levels.

                CTA—Need help planning your next project or wireframe? Let Root and Roam help you plan your next customer journey. Call today for a consultation.

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