The marketing world we know today has a significant history. It started ages ago as an as simple method for sellers to set themselves apart in a crowded marketplace, and the rest is history.
Despite the years that have passed, the goal of all marketing teams and agencies remains the same: spreading the right message across the right audience. But things aren’t easy these days. The level of complexity and competition in the market is higher than ever.
Today, having a good product and a productive team is not enough. If you want to see yourself at the top, you’ve got to conquer the virtual world. And digital marketing is an essential component of every business in today’s virtual business world.
Wondering what makes digital marketing so important? Here are the key reasons why your business needs effective digital marketing to grow and thrive:
So these are a few positive changes your business may experience when you plan and execute digital marketing successfully. But here some quick questions – How exactly are you going to do that? What’s your strategy for making digital marketing work for your business?
After all, digital marketing is no longer restricted to creating websites and social media pages for your business. It’s a whole new world in itself. And with the market expanding and new marketing platforms emerging, this world of marketing is evolving by the minute.
First, give your website a quick makeover
The first step of your digital marketing campaign should be focusing on making your business website updated, mobile-friendly. You must make it easy for your visitors to browse through your website across all devices. Also, keep your design clean. People prefer modern and clean designs. And include all the essential information that your customers would want to know—that includes, what you do, why you do it, how are you better than others, and how people can reach you.
Consider thinking locally
It’s nice that you are aiming towards the global market but never underestimate nearby prospects. You’d be surprised to see the number of customers you can find for your business around you. Consider claiming your listings in local search directories. It will help you ensure that when potential local customers are searching for what you are selling, they’ll find you first.
Keep running tests
“The best way to grow your small business is to never become complacent and always be testing. Identify your customers’ needs, test your hypothesis in paid ads, iterate, and test again.”—now, there’s a fact that every small business would agree to. When drafting your digital marketing campaign, make sure that you don’t get too comfortable with the initial plan. Evaluate the outcomes achieved, follow up on the latest marketing trends, and improve what’s necessary.
Follow the rule of three
The rule of three is a rule of thumb for a majority of digital marketers today. The rule states that the things that come in threes are inherently satisfying and effective than any other number. Now, according to Brian Moran, CEO, Brian Moran & Associates, here are the three you can apply to your digital marketing and content marketing campaign—keep it simple, be consistent, and always respond to feedback immediately.
Use social media to be social
One of the most common mistakes that digital marketers do these days is blast their followers with promotional content across various social media channels. Now, what they’re missing out on is an opportunity to personally connect to their target audience and community. They’re forgetting what it means to be on “social” media. However, if they put in the right kind of effort and provide their followers with valuable content, they will be much more likely to get the desired attention. Remember what Evan M. Cobb, Director of Digital Strategy, Digital Peak Management said—“Be engaged with your audience… rather than using your profiles to essentially be online billboards.”
Use online reviews to your advantage
Did you know that social media reviews and comments influence the purchase behavior of over 67% of consumers? Well, it’s proven and you can conveniently use this fact to your advantage. All you have to do is identify ethical business and product review sites, such as Yelp, and claim your listings. Also, encourage your existing customers to write reviews of your business/product and try to maintain a four-start above rating.
Engage via email
Email marketing is, till-date, one of the most effective digital marketing tactics.
Email is one of the most effective digital marketing tactics out there. No matter what their age, profession, or purchase preference, just about everyone checks their email daily. As a part of your digital marketing campaign, you can create yearly/monthly/weekly newsletter or simple branded emails with the latest news, special offers, and discounts, and share them with your targeted community regularly.
Did we miss anything? What digital marketing strategies do you use? Tell us in the comments section!
Vartika Kashyap is the Chief Marketing Officer at ProofHub, a project management software. She has been one of the LinkedIn Top Voices in 2016, 2017 and 2018. She is also a contributor at Business.com, The Next Web, YourStory, and Huffington among others. Her articles mainly revolve around productivity,… View full profile ›
This article was written for Business 2 Community by Vartika Kashyap.
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