In the technological world that we live in today, almost everything has switched to digital and marketing is no exception. In the past fifty years, marketing has evolved from the traditional era, which included using billboards, flyers, pamphlets, newspapers, and radio to the digital era, which includes online channels such as social media, email, SEO, websites, etc.
Under the digital marketing umbrella, there are numerous types of methods that can be used to increase the return on investment for your business. If you aren’t taking advantage of these methods, then you might get left behind because they have proven to be effective for millions of businesses around the world. Here are 5 digital marketing strategies and ways that your business can implement them.
1. Social Media Marketing
Social media began in the late 1990’s and has never looked back since. According to Pew Research, in 2018 72% of Americans said they use social media, compared to a measly 5% which was recorded in 2005. Because of the substantial increase in usage, businesses have learned numerous ways to utilize social media channels to reach their audience and ultimately increase sales dollars.
When using social media marketing it is important to identify your goal. What are you trying to accomplish with social media? After identifying your goal, whether it is driving traffic to your website, increasing brand awareness, boosting customer engagement, or simply raising your sales numbers, you can then begin to create a strategy that would best fit with that goal in mind.
- One sizable benefit with social media, is the ability to run highly targeted ads.
- Select one or two social media platforms that your target audience uses most.
- Create engaging content that will cater to your target audience.
- Boost the post towards your target demographic with social media ads.
There are many benefits of social media for your brand and many different ways you can utilize social media. The best thing to do is consult with a marketing professional to discuss what the best strategy is moving forward and decide if using social media would be a good option for you.
2. Mobile Marketing
The primary goal for marketers is to reach their customers at the right place, at the right time, with the right message that will ultimately result in a purchase of their product. Today’s world has made this easier than ever with smartphones.
Here are some important factors to consider when employing mobile marketing.
- Make your website mobile friendly. Your website is usually one of the first things your customers see and there is a good chance they will be viewing it from their phone.
- Create an app that customers will adopt. Give them deals, easy ways to order your product, or other perks that will keep them wanting more. Ultimately this will generate a higher customer lifetime value for your company.
3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is a very important aspect of digital marketing because most people search on google several times a day. According to Hubspot, SEO drives 30% of traffic and 20% of revenue.
Taking advantage of SEO can be hard if you are uneducated on the topic. The main goal of SEO is to optimize your business in search engines, so that you are as close to the top as possible. For example, if you are an Auburn plumber, when we type Auburn plumbing in google we would hope that your business is towards the top of the screen. If not then you could be doing a better job of enhancing search for your business.
For more detailed information on SEO, check out our blog post What is SEO and Where To Begin?
4. Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is a popular form of digital marketing that involves utilizing people that have a large reach on social media. Companies will find people on social media that have a significant influence on their target audience and will ask them to promote their brand in exchange for either cash or product.
This strategy has been proven most effective on instagram and snapchat, but may also be used on other up and coming platforms. When using this strategy, be sure to verify that the accounts are being followed by real people and not fake accounts. Also make sure that all posts from influencers include a mention that it is an advertisement. If the influencer is being paid and fails to mention that it is an ad, then that is a violation of FTC regulations.
5. Email Marketing
Email marketing is a strategy that marketers use to contact their previous and prospective customers. This digital marketing strategy has declined in popularity because it has proven ineffective if not used correctly.
The best way to make use of email marketing is to contact customers that subscribe to company emails. Spam emails are almost never a good thing and oftentimes turn your customers away. Be sure to let them opt in to the email list and then send latest news about your company.
At Inner Spark Creative, we specialize in any and all things related to digital marketing. We would love to help your organization be more successful and apply these marketing tactics more effectively. Do not hesitate to contact us today and set up a free consultation!