Latest news with #marketingagency
Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
We started listening to porn to improve the health of our sex life
If you were to picture a couple working in the porn industry, then my wife and I couldn't be further from what you might imagine. Hannah hasn't got pneumatic boobs, and I'm hardly blessed (let's say) with the 14-inch 'credentials' you might expect of porn stars. We'd never be found filming on seedy sets wearing dubious costumes, thank you. We're more likely to spend our time hiking, cycling and running around after our seven- and four-year-old children. But yes, we do run an ethical (non-degrading to anyone) porn business, and our passion is helping couples – just like us – enjoy sexually fulfilling relationships. When I met Hannah through friends 15 years ago, I'd just finished university and she'd completed her design apprenticeship. Her quiet self-confidence attracted me, and instantly it felt like a meaningful relationship; more than your average, 20-something hook-up. Our wedding in the Austrian Alps 10 years ago was so romantic, both of us were certain we'd found our 'forever' person. Like most young couples we were ambitious. I co-founded a marketing agency while Hannah launched a wedding stationery design business. Sexually, I'd describe us as 'vanilla' in our tastes and we were both very happy. With neither of us keen to do anything too eyebrow-raising, we were compatible. But several years into marriage, around the time we became parents in 2017, things started to slide in the bedroom. I'm sure many long-term couples might relate to this. And that's when we began talking, really honestly for the first time, about how to keep the intimacy alive. Not from a place of crisis (there were no rows or any infidelity fears for us) but more with curiosity and a will to make it work. So one evening, I said 'why don't we watch some porn together?' Full disclosure here, like most men (statistics imply it's half of us but I suspect that's higher in reality) I did already use porn alone occasionally, probably a few times a month. It wasn't anything extreme or secretive, and Hannah never objected; she was perfectly secure knowing it didn't make me think any less of her or our sex life. But when I suggested we try watching together (I'd researched the more tasteful 'ethical' porn for the occasion) the result was… underwhelming. Even though I'd picked videos geared towards women, which seemed more thoughtfully produced, Hannah was not impressed. The hyper-perfected bodies she saw on the screen made her feel bad about herself; she found it distracting. And a turn-off. 'They just don't feel or look like us,' she (quite fairly) complained. This in turn, however, led to a bigger conversation. I asked her what she enjoyed masturbating to (sounds obvious, but I bet many men don't actually ask, or perhaps not in a way women feel comfortable responding to). Hannah told me she loved romance books, reading them most nights. So I started reading a few and the appeal was obvious – there was more slow-burning tension, proper storytelling and actual emotional connection between characters. Let's face it, 'traditional' porn offers none of this. But, as I pointed out to Hannah, those stories aren't exactly suited to spontaneous moments (which marital sex often necessitates – 'quickies' are sometimes the only way it's happening with kids and work). I also joked that I didn't have the trained, sexy voice of a narrator to read the steamy chapters out loud in bed… It made us both realise that while I could compartmentalise (a clichéd sex difference perhaps – but a truism), Hannah could not. And she's far from alone. All in the mind We researched it all and found that when it comes to sex, on average, women rely more on imagination, fantasy and emotional build-up than men. In Germany, there's even a term for it, kopfkino, which translates to 'head cinema'. So for many women, including Hannah, eroticism is simply more cerebral. Men, by contrast, tend to be more visually stimulated and better able to separate themselves from what they're watching (not comparing themselves unfavourably, as women commonly do). And that was our lightbulb moment – what if we could create erotic audio stories? Something immersive and arousing, but by listening only, without the visuals that alienate women. This insight shaped what would become our careers. We realised that listening to sexy things (as opposed to watching them) offered a unique middle ground for us. Richer than regular porn, yet more immediate than steamy books. As Hannah described it, 'you can close your eyes and imagine yourself in the scene, not watching from the outside'. When we looked into what was available, we found that nothing was tailored for couples to enjoy together. Our first concept was to make guided sex audios – like having a third person in the room, giving instructions and helping a couple connect. Over time, we evolved into more narrative-driven audio plays, with multiple voice actors, sound effects and character arcs. Basically, like erotic audio plays. And so, in early 2020 – two months into the pandemic, with a toddler and a newborn at home – we launched Bloom Stories, our ethical erotic audio-only platform for adults, to be enjoyed solo or as a couple. At first it was just the two of us writing, producing and editing everything from our living room. Today, we employ around 20 staff, with hundreds of freelance writers and voice actors. We find those with lived experience of the scenarios they're playing to make sure it's authentic and now make stories in English, German, French and Spanish. While there's cover art for each story, it's only lightly suggestive, with no nudity and nothing explicit. Each episode is typically 20 to 30 minutes long, as this is the 'sweet spot' for most users, we discovered. Our listeners are mostly in long-term relationships or marriages, and many use our stories to safely act out fantasies – such as threesomes or some light BDSM – which they wouldn't act out in reality. Some people say in feedback that indulging their fantasy is enough, while others say our stories gave them the confidence to try something new in real life; for example, they've since become regular swingers. Our audience is predominantly female – around 60-70 per cent – and the average age is around 38 years old. It's not only couples though, we've heard from women in their 70s rediscovering desire after being widowed. That's heart-warming. Clear rules Interestingly, not all of our users listen to these stories in bed. Some people listen during their commute or housework, saying it acts like foreplay, getting them thinking about fantasies to enjoy together later. One of our proudest projects is a spicy, 13-hour-long version of Pride and Prejudice. There's so much simmering tension between Elizabeth and Darcy, we thought it would be fun to imagine what went on behind closed doors. We've set clear rules on the sort of stories we create. There's nothing you'll hear that includes non-consensual sex or incest or underage characters; no bestiality and nothing involving bodily waste. We do cover BDSM, anal play and fantasies like group sex – but in the way romance novels often do: emotionally layered and tastefully written. While we don't listen to our own stories for arousal any more – by the time we've discussed the production nitty gritty (is his voice too low? Is she too breathy?) it breaks the spell – brainstorming new ideas remains a turn-on in a different way, as we listen to other creators' work. Hannah and I split our roles in the company. She's the CCO (chief creative officer) and leads on creative: everything from storytelling to cover art to product design. I handle the business side of things: data, finance – the 'boring stuff', as we joke. We know ourselves that listening and running a company together brings us closer. It's strengthened our own marriage and, crucially, it's led to a relationship where everything is open for discussion. As proud as we are of what we've achieved, we do keep it private. Our children know that their parents 'run a company'. When they are ready, we want to be open with them and explain that we've created a product that encourages experimentation and trying out new things. We'd like to show that sexuality is a normal part of human life and goes beyond the simple act of sex; it's something that shows the emotional depth that an intimate connection can create. And yes, we do still laugh sometimes about how unlikely this path was for us two – a relatively vanilla couple with fairly average sexual histories and no previous experience of working in the sex industry! The platform is about more than just feeling sexy for us – it's about connection, fantasy and trust. For many people, that's exactly what's missing in normal porn. We're delighted to be part of creating something different. As told to Susanna Galton
Associated Press
09-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
EVpro Marketing: A Top Digital Marketing Company for Home Service Providers in Austin, Texas
EVpro Marketing stands out as a go-to digital marketing agency in Austin, Texas, for local service businesses. With over nine years of focused experience, EVpro delivers tailored marketing strategies for industries such as construction, HVAC, plumbing, remodeling, and more. Their core mission is simple: generate high-quality leads that convert into long-term customers. What makes EVpro Marketing different is its deep understanding of the home services space. Every marketing move, from website design to SEO to paid advertising, is built to drive real results for companies that work with their hands and serve their communities. EVpro isn't just about visibility; they're about revenue. When looking for a top digital marketing agency in Austin, Texas, that increases revenue, they are who you call. Web Development Built for Conversions EVpro builds websites that do more than just look good. They're designed to rank, convert, and drive phone calls. Each website is customized for the client's brand, service area, and growth goals. From mobile responsiveness to lightning-fast load speeds, EVpro builds digital storefronts that work as hard as their clients do. Lead-Driven Digital Marketing Whether it's SEO, Google Ads, or Facebook Ads, EVpro focuses on generating quality leads, not just traffic. Their strategies are rooted in real search intent. That means more homeowners finding your business when they actually need help, and taking action. SEO That's Built to Rank Locally EVpro doesn't take a one-size-fits-all approach to SEO. They build localized strategies for each client, focusing on Google Maps visibility, website authority, and on-page content that drives results. From optimized service pages to custom content that ranks in Google and AI search platforms like ChatGPT, their SEO team delivers results that matter. Content That Converts EVpro's team of industry-focused copywriters creates strategic content designed to convert clicks into calls. Whether it's homepage messaging, service page copy, or blog content, every word is written with one goal in mind—growth. Tailored for Home Service Businesses Unlike agencies that try to serve every type of business, EVpro works exclusively with home service providers. They know how to speak the language of contractors, roofers, electricians, and HVAC techs. That specialization leads to stronger campaigns, clearer communication, and better ROI for clients. EVpro Marketing Process: Brand Positioning Strategy EVpro starts by understanding your services, goals, and competition. From there, they build a custom digital strategy focused on making you the go-to provider in your local market. Google Advanced Verification Services for Locksmith and Garage Door Businesses in Austin, TX EVpro Marketing provides full support for businesses navigating Google's Advanced Verification process, particularly for high-risk industries like locksmith and garage door services. Before launching Google Ads campaigns in these sectors, companies must pass Google's Advanced Verification to prove legitimacy and protect users from fraudulent listings. Search-Optimized Content EVpro's writers build SEO-optimized content that balances user experience with keyword strategy. The result: better rankings, more traffic, and higher conversions. Paid Ad Campaigns That Scale Using Google Ads and Facebook Ads, EVpro drives immediate leads to your business. Every campaign is tracked, analyzed, and optimized to reduce cost-per-lead and maximize results. Why Home Service Businesses Choose EVpro Marketing: Business Information: EVpro Marketing, 111 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, (281) 215-3181 Location: Location: Media Contact Company Name: EVpro Marketing Contact Person: Benjamin Email: Send Email Phone: (281) 215-3181 Address:111 Congress Ave City: Austin State: Texas Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: EVpro Marketing: A Top Digital Marketing Company for Home Service Providers in Austin, Texas
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Digital Silk Publishes Article on Top SEO Spend Statistics in California, Highlighting Budget Shifts Across Mid-to-Large Enterprises
Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning digital marketing agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites, and digital marketing campaigns, has published a new article detailing the latest SEO spend statistics across California. The data explores how businesses in the state are reallocating budgets toward organic search to meet evolving consumer search behaviors and a highly competitive digital landscape. Digital Silk Publishes Article on Top SEO Spend Statistics in California, Highlighting Budget Shifts Across Mid-to-Large Enterprises To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: According to the article, California remains one of the top regions for SEO investment in the U.S., with B2B and B2C companies prioritizing content-driven strategies, technical optimization, and AI-enhanced tools. In 2023, SEO accounted for approximately 32% of total digital marketing budgets across mid-to-large enterprises in the state, up from 27% the previous year. "The shift in budget allocation toward SEO reflects a long-term strategy focused on sustained visibility and lead generation," said Gabriel Shaoolian, CEO at Digital Silk. "With AI continuing to shape how users interact with search engines, businesses in California are adapting by investing in smarter, data-driven SEO strategies." SEO Spend Grows in Response to Market Trends The article identifies several drivers contributing to California's high SEO investment: Increasing mobile-first search behavior and voice search optimization Strong competition across professional services, retail, and tech sectors Growing reliance on AI tools for content clustering and SERP forecasting Additionally, California's SEO industry aligns closely with national growth trends. According to the report, 78% of large U.S. companies expected to increase their SEO budgets in 2024, with a significant portion concentrated in the West Coast market. Industry Use Cases and Regional Leaders The article also notes that California's legal, healthcare, and eCommerce sectors lead the way in SEO spend. In these verticals, businesses are investing in: Scalable pillar content strategies Local SEO for multi-location practices AI-enhanced SEO auditing and forecasting tools These efforts are potentially helping brands improve search engine rankings and maintain competitive relevance in saturated markets. Read the full article here: About Digital SilkDigital Silk is an award-winning Digital Marketing Agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk delivers industry-leading digital experiences through strategic branding and cutting-edge web design to help support engagement and visibility through digital marketing services. Media ContactJessica ErasmusMarketing Director & PR ManagerTel: (800) 206-9413Email: jessica@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Associated Press
14-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Benson Fischer – Restaurant Industry Veteran Launches Revolutionary Restaurant Marketing Program
Benson Fischer ZivZo, led by CEO Benson Fischer, launches its restaurant marketing program. With 40+ years of hands-on industry experience, Fischer has owned, operated, franchised, and consulted for restaurants nationwide. ZivZo's real-world expertise drives tailored marketing solutions that deliver proven results, like generating $140K in sales from a $5K campaign. As a certified Toast Partner, ZivZo empowers restaurants with strategic growth tools. Potomac, Maryland - June 13, 2025 - ZivZo, a marketing agency unlike any other, is proud to announce the official launch of its specialized restaurant marketing program, spearheaded by Founder/CEO and seasoned entrepreneur, Benson Fischer. With over four decades of unparalleled hands-on experience in the restaurant industry, Fischer brings a unique and invaluable perspective to helping restaurants thrive in today's competitive landscape. ZivZo's approach is rooted in real-world understanding, not just marketing theory. Benson Fischer's extensive background includes the design, construction, and operation of over 50 restaurants, the successful franchising of one of his concepts, and his role as an area developer/franchisee for Papa John's. He has personally navigated every facet of the restaurant business, from site selection and lease negotiations to daily operations, franchising, and even the manufacturing and national distribution of food and beverage products. This deep, comprehensive insight, further bolstered by his ownership of a commercial real estate brokerage focused on restaurant consulting, sets ZivZo apart. 'I've walked a mile in the shoes of every restaurant owner and operator,' says Benson Fischer. 'I understand the daily challenges, the operational complexities, and the critical need for effective strategies that deliver tangible results. At ZivZo, we don't just offer marketing buzzwords; we offer strategic insights and solutions specifically tailored to the unique needs of restaurants, because we've lived and breathed this industry.' ZivZo's experience directly translates into a proven track record of success. In a recent example, a struggling restaurant partnered with ZivZo for a targeted marketing intervention. After a thorough analysis of their offerings, customer base, and competitive landscape, ZivZo implemented a multifaceted marketing campaign. This campaign integrated organic and paid digital strategies, compelling video content, and a targeted email marketing program. The results were remarkable: within just 30 days, and with a modest $5,000 budget, the campaign generated over $140,000 in restaurant sales – a staggering 28X return on investment. ZivZo is eager to share the full details and results of this campaign upon request. ZivZo's new restaurant marketing program is poised to empower national, regional and local restaurant groups with the strategic guidance and effective marketing solutions they need to achieve significant growth and profitability. ZivZo is also a certified Toast Partner. About ZivZo: ZivZo is a specialized marketing agency led by CEO Benson Fischer, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of hands-on experience in the restaurant industry. ZivZo offers strategic marketing insights and solutions tailored to the unique needs of restaurants, leveraging real-world operational understanding to deliver exceptional results. Click To Learn About Benson Fischer & ZivZo's Restaurant Marketing: Media Contact Contact Person: Benson Fischer Email: Send Email Phone: (833) 948-9663 City: Washington State: DC Country: United States Website: Source: Ok Omni LLC
Entrepreneur
10-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How My Old Job Secretly Prepared Me to Build a Thriving Business
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. I started my journalism career in 2004. Within months, it was clear: the industry was changing — fast. Newsroom layoffs, budget cuts, and staff downsizing became routine. Whispers of "impending cuts" turned into annual realities. Every year brought fewer resources, fewer colleagues, and more pressure to do more with less. Eventually, the tone of the industry changed completely. We went from reporting the news to defending its very existence. I remember being handed scripts to read on-air, asking viewers to "support local journalism." Imagine reporting on the world while quietly campaigning to save your own job. It was humbling — and revealing. That's when I realized I needed a Plan B. About eight years into my 15-year career as a reporter and anchor for Canada's largest private broadcaster, I started building a real estate-focused marketing agency. Quietly. In the newsroom, side hustles were frowned upon. Some managers even banned them. It was a strange contradiction: everyone knew the industry was shrinking, but no one was allowed to prepare for what came next. So I did it anyway. Over time, that agency grew quietly in the background. And one day, it was big enough that I didn't need the newsroom anymore. I stepped away — and stepped fully into entrepreneurship. What I didn't expect was just how many of my journalism skills would become foundational to building and running a successful business. Here's what translated — and why it matters to anyone navigating uncertainty in their career today. Related: The 3 Biggest Mistakes That Made Me a Better Entrepreneur Deadlines build more than discipline — they build trust In journalism, deadlines weren't flexible. If your segment wasn't ready by airtime, it didn't go to air — simple as that. There was no "I'm running a bit behind." That kind of real-time pressure trains you to deliver no matter what. And more importantly, it teaches you that other people are counting on you to deliver. In business, that same mindset is a competitive advantage. When you consistently meet deadlines—for clients, collaborators, or even yourself — you build a reputation as someone who can be trusted. In a world full of flakiness, that trust is rare and valuable. Clarity is the most underrated communication skill As a journalist, my job was to take something complicated — legislation, economics, crime stats — and make it clear, fast. I learned how to break down ideas so that a viewer with no background knowledge could still understand the story. That skill carried straight into business. Clients aren't looking for more information — they want clarity. They want someone who can explain things in plain language, with confidence and precision. If you can do that, you'll win attention and loyalty, even in crowded markets. Reading the room is a business skill, not just a social one Every newsroom has an unspoken energy. Some days are tense. Others are collaborative. You learn to read body language, anticipate reactions, and adjust your tone accordingly. Sometimes you learn the hard way — by saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. But eventually, you get good at it. That emotional intelligence became essential in business. Whether I'm in a sales call, a client pitch or a team check-in, I rely on that same ability to gauge the room. Knowing when to speak, when to pause, and when to pivot isn't just nice to have — it's how you build rapport, close deals and lead people. Your visual presence sends a signal — whether you like it or not In television, how you show up is part of the job. Lighting, clothing, posture, eye contact — everything matters. You're trained to think visually because you're being seen, not just heard. As a business owner, I carried that forward. Whether I'm on a Zoom call, recording video content, or meeting a client in person, I think about how I show up. Not because I care about superficial polish, but because I understand that presence builds credibility. People make snap judgments. Being intentional about your appearance — your energy, tone, body language — is part of your brand. Asking smart questions leads to better outcomes Great interviews don't happen because the journalist talks a lot — they happen because they ask questions no one else thought to ask. They listen. They dig. They help the subject get to something real. That skill set applies almost everywhere in business. Whether I'm onboarding a client, hiring a new team member, or troubleshooting a campaign, asking thoughtful, open-ended questions makes all the difference. It leads to insights, not just answers. The better your questions, the more valuable your results. Content creation isn't a buzzword — it's a daily practice Before "content marketing" was trendy, journalists were doing it every day. Writing headlines. Filming segments. Recording voiceovers. Editing clips. We were creating daily, on deadline, with quality and consistency. When I pivoted into business, that content muscle was already built. I could write fast. I could shoot video. I could find the story angle. That made building a content-driven agency much easier. But more importantly, it helped me communicate my value consistently — through blogs, videos, emails, and social media. Storytelling is the bridge between facts and emotion At the core of every newscast is a story. That doesn't change in business. In fact, the need for narrative is even more important. Because people don't buy based on data — they buy based on belief. Whether I'm crafting a brand strategy, writing a sales page or scripting a webinar, I'm asking: What's the story? What's the tension? What changes by the end? Who's the hero? Storytelling isn't fluff. It's structure. It's how you help people care. Research before you speak — it builds credibility Journalists don't get to make things up. We're trained to dig for sources, verify facts and back up every claim. That instinct — to validate before publishing — translated directly into business. When I make marketing recommendations, I don't rely on gut feeling alone. I cite trends, pull performance data, reference case studies. That research-backed approach builds trust — and helps clients feel more confident in their investment. Related: Why Entrepreneurship Is Better Than Any Personal Growth Book Writing is a business superpower In journalism, you write every day. Scripts, voiceovers, headlines, tweets, captions. You learn how to write tight. You learn how to write with impact. And you learn how to match your voice to your audience. In business, that's been one of the most useful tools I've carried with me. Clear, persuasive writing helps across the board — website copy, email campaigns, pitch decks, client reports. Especially now, when so much content is AI-generated and generic, human writing that's sharp and intentional really stands out. Working under pressure is the ultimate team test Television isn't a solo act. Every show depends on producers, editors, camera operators, and anchors working in sync, under tight deadlines. If someone drops the ball, everyone feels it. That taught me how to lead under pressure — and how to hire people who can handle it too. In business, things go sideways. Clients change direction. Launches break. The ability to stay calm, adapt and keep moving is what separates amateurs from professionals. The bottom line When I left journalism, I thought I was walking away from a shrinking industry. What I didn't realize was that I was walking into something I'd been preparing for all along. Entrepreneurship wasn't the opposite of journalism — it was the evolution of it. The same skills that helped me succeed on-camera helped me succeed in business. So if you're in a profession that feels uncertain right now, I'll say this: look closely. You're probably building skills that will serve you long after your current role ends. You might just be gathering the exact tools you'll need for the next chapter. Don't wait for a crisis to start your Plan B. Build it now, even if it's in the margins. That quiet side project, that weekend freelance gig, that small experiment — it might be the thing that gives you security when the job no longer can.
