Whether you have a brick and mortar location or are solely an e-commerce business, digital marketing is essential if you want to be one of the few startups that succeed. From the design of your website to good search engine optimization practices, every step you take should give you a high ranking on search engines and a user-friendly experience to potential and current customers. You may be an expert in your industry, but that doesn’t mean you have the skills required to set up an effective digital marketing strategy. There are companies such as Bluehat Marketing that will provide professional strategies to put you ahead of your competition.
The Components of Digital Marketing
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the way to higher rankings on search engines such as Google. Just 10 years ago, keyword stuffing was the main way to get the attention of search engines to be put on a first or at the very least a second page. High rankings bring more visitors to your website, increase your brand visibility and sales. Your web content will attract your target audience. This includes single keywords as well as commonly used phrases that people use to find the product or service you offer.
Local SEO is extremely beneficial if you have a brick and mortar location. You want customers to find you on their phones when they are on the go, which is the time most people start looking for what they want. Customers will find maps and directions to your business and you will be listed on local directories.
Pay per click (PPC) is another strategy that uses targeted ads to bring more traffic to your site. These ads may be on search engines and social media and work almost instantly once they are up. They are created to reach customers who are already looking for your product or service. PPC produces fast and efficient results when it is set up properly. You need to analyze and refine your campaign to get the best results.
A user-friendly web design is one of the most important aspects of a good digital marketing campaign. Visitors tend to give a website less than five seconds before moving on. Your site needs to give relevant information up-front that entices visitors to stay longer and explore what you have to offer. Conventional wisdom says that the fewer clicks needed to access information, the better the user interface. In a best-case scenario, visitors will provide their email or texting address.
Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn are the go-to places for many online shoppers. They can find your company to see if there are any discounts on offer or coupons available. You need a personalized social media strategy for increased brand awareness and efficient lead generation. To be relevant, a social media presence needs regular, dedicated attention. It will help spread buzz about your brand and maintain positive customer interface.
The Benefits of Digital Marketing
A good digital marketing strategy needs to be specific to your product or service, measurable so you know what you are getting for your marketing budget, attainable, relevant and timely. It will drive your business’s growth because:
- It can analyze traffic information about what marketing works and what doesn’t
- It includes informative and interesting website content
- Offers improved conversion rates with prompt action
- It is more cost-effective than traditional marketing
- Offers higher ROI from marketing campaigns
- You can compete on a level playing field with large corporations
- You can stay ahead of technology with a digital platform
- You can build a brand reputation that earns people’s trust
- You can keep an eye on your competitors’ marketing strategies
- You can get quick, real-time results
- You can connect with customers worldwide
The Digital Marketing Bottom Line
Since the use of digital content is increasing every day, digital marketing is the way of the future for any sized business. With a good digital program, your business gets a customized strategy that will boost its digital channels for smartphones, PCs, tablets and any other devices people use to access the Internet. It will also save you money because it is the most cost-effective marketing strategy there is.
