Health and beauty brands have been hit hard by the pandemic, with many companies experiencing a decline in sales. According to a report by the NPD group, consumer interest in skincare and beauty products fell by 23% in March 2020, compared to before the pandemic.

As the world slowly begins to open up again, brands need to find new ways to attract customers and retain them during this time. One option is via online marketing efforts, with many companies now turning to digital platforms such as social media to target potential customers.

Not all online health and beauty marketing companies are created equal, so it’s important to do your research before committing to any one. The following are some of the key considerations you should make when choosing an online marketing company to help grow your business.

Features

One of the first things you’ll want to check for is the website’s features. Does it have a blog? Are there any reviews or videos of the product or service online? If not, then you might want to consider looking elsewhere. Similarly, are there any social media accounts for the brand, including a page on Facebook, a Twitter account, or a LinkedIn profile?

You’ll also want to find out what analytics software the company uses, as this will help you get a better sense of how effective the various digital marketing tactics are. You can also ask for a copy of the marketing analysis report, which will include a detailed description of how each of the marketing tactics performed.

Cost

One of the biggest barriers to entry for new businesses is cost. As a small business owner, you’ll certainly want to keep your expenses to a minimum, especially when operating on a shoestring budget. The cost of hosting a website can vary but can be anywhere from $5 to $20 per month, depending on the plan you choose. Many companies offer free hosting for the first year, so you might want to consider looking into that route.

The good news is that you can find affordable paid hosting plans, as well. You just need to do a little bit of research to find the best fit. You’ll also want to look for a company that offers the features you need and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Support

No one is an island. Just because you’re physically located on a web server in Indiana doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. You can outsource some of the administrative tasks, such as paying bills and preparing taxes, to save more time for growing your business.

You’ll also want to make sure that the company has the necessary support personnel available, both in terms of experienced professionals and online resources. Having an expert on hand to answer questions and provide guidance is invaluable as you navigate the ins and outs of starting a business. Without immediate professional support, you might find yourself overwhelmed and unable to move forward.

Location

While you want to find an affordable option for web hosting, you don’t want to do so close to home, as this will make it extremely difficult for you to get work done. You’ll also want to do your research into the company’s location before committing. Is it in a location that’s convenient for you? Are there any obstacles, such as bad reviews or lost shipments, that you need to be aware of?

If you need to travel for work, you might want to consider paying for business travel or travel for event nights, so that you can focus on growing your business rather than worrying about your expenses. Having a business partner who’s willing to take the reins and help grow your business is also a viable option. After all, two heads are better than one!

Credentials

If you’re really serious about growing your business, you might want to consider investing in a quality website. The better the quality of the website, the better the experience for the user. A good website will undoubtedly boost your online presence and attract more customers, leads, and brand loyalty. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that not everyone will have the same opinion of what constitutes a good website. You might want to consider investing in a quality mobile app or software as well, which will make interacting with customers simpler and more convenient.

The digital ecosystem is constantly changing, as new platforms emerge and existing ones evolve to fit new consumer needs and new technology advancements. When it comes to marketing and selling health and beauty products online, the landscape is changing as well.

For example, consider the role that social media, such as Twitter and Instagram, are playing in today’s marketing mix. In January 2020 alone, Google search interest for “Twitter marketing” rose by 68%, while interest for “Instagram marketing” increased by 55%. As social media usage increases, marketers should take the time to see how these platforms can be effectively used to reach potential customers.