Whether you are a business owner that wants to sell online or are starting your own small business, you probably have heard about digital marketing. InternetLiveStats shows that over 4.7 billion people are using the Internet and that this number is growing. With technology and consumers requests constantly evolving at a high speed, digital marketing requires a more 'fluid' approach - you must adapt and change accordingly to your audience's needs and expectations.
Being a small business owner, you may be worried about including one more cost to your budget. But do not worry! You don't need a marketing agency or a massive advertising budget to succeed in the digital world. Here we discuss some digital marketing techniques and tactics that all businesses, regardless of size, can benefit from.
Keep your Google My Business listing updated
This is the equivalent of being listed in the Yellow Pages back in the 1980s.
Even though most businesses have their Google My Business listing, which gives easy access to your website, address, hours of operation or phone number with a click of a button, how quick are you to update your listing when you make changes to your business? Informed consumers are typically good consumers - but if your Google My Business profile fails to keep them up to date and informed on what’s happening, you’re missing out on those customers.
And don't forget to update your photos. Otherwise, your listing will be at the mercy of uploads from random visitors.
Image: Google My Business
Respond to online reviews
Easy access to the internet has completely changed the way people shop for almost everything today - a staggering 87% of customers read online reviews before they buy. And almost half of those interviewed will only trust 4-stars or better. Therefore, online reviews are a major part of business these days.
By responding to online reviews, you are not only showing the customer how much you truly appreciate their feedback and that you provide a great experience, but also showing it to all the potential consumers who research your company. However, when responding, you should keep in mind two aspects: the timing and the message.
When it is the case of a positive review, you should respond right away. On the other hand, when you receive a negative review, you will need time to show that you've considered their feedback and also to craft your message properly - be sure not to respond nastily; too much emotion is off-putting, but a generic response can be insulting.
Image: iStock
Boost your brand with social media
Of course, companies can benefit from having a social media presence. However, it's important to use the correct and more suitable platform. You should ensure that your message is appropriate to the social network you're using and the audience you're reaching - if you're in a visually driven industry such as food or have a younger target audience, you may want to experiment with platforms such as TikTok or Instagram. It's cleverer to create quality content on a few key networks than to have a presence on every single channel.
To be successful in social media, you need to bring value to the conversation. Avoid overt sales pitches and focus on informing, engaging, and spiking curiosity, which will lead your audience to your services or products.
You should also set social goals for your business. This will not only help you prove your success but also help you figure out which tactics are working and scale your social media presence.
Image: Pexels
Build an email list
Email marketing is an effective way of generating more leads, staying at the top of mind of potential customers, build relationships with a specific target and convert them into customers. This great direct tool is continuing to be beneficial to marketers by providing some of the greatest ROIs of any digital channel.
And it is not necessary to start with an email automation platform, you will only need a list. Additional steps, such as audience segmentation, email design, and personalization can also maximize the results of email marketing.
Be sure there’s an email subscription option on your website and remember that the larger your qualified email contact list, the more successful your business will become.
Image: Unsplash
Digital Marketing is here to stay
Digital marketing will have a lasting place in the business world and isn’t going anywhere, the same way that electronic devices are here to stay. Everywhere you go, you’ll see someone using a laptop, tablet or smartphone, whether it’s business-related or personal. If you want to keep up with your competitors or remain an active part of your community, you must maintain an involved digital presence.
Interested in reading more about digital marketing? Take a look at our articles.
Whether you would like to upskill, take your business to the next level or start a career in this exciting field, we have the right course for you!