Many of us are still under the misconception that the internet and social media sites are US-only activities. Well, we want to disabuse you of that notion because it is absolutely false! The world of online marketing is big and very diverse, and we’re seeing more and more companies embrace a global approach to marketing and branding.

“The digital landscape is changing,” states Gartner in its 2019 predictions, “with increased numbers of internet users worldwide, especially in emerging markets, and more businesses relying on digital marketing to reach customers.”

So if you’re keen to explore how you can get started with online marketing in Grimsby, here are seven ways to make your business stand out from the crowd.

1. Grow a Following

If you’ve had a look on social media over the last year, you’ll know that there’s been a huge boost in interest in cryptocurrencies and digital currencies. As well as being a quick and easy way for people to make money, many brands and businesses have recognised the benefits of engaging with their followers on social media.

Decentralised digital marketing agencies like Bounty0x, for example, rely on engagement with customers to grow their subscriber base. The fact that cryptocurrencies and digital currencies are still relatively unknown and untested in the UK, means that there’s a wide open field for those who want to make the most of this lucrative opportunity.

2. Build Relationships With Influencers

In traditional marketing, a large billboard on the side of a highway might be considered effective advertising. However, in the world of digital marketing, every bit of content you create might be considered an advertisement, so you need to find another way to stand out.

One of the best ways to do this is to engage with prominent bloggers and journalists who can help spread the word about your business. You might consider creating and curating valuable content that can be repurposed for different platforms. For example, a business that sells sportswear might look to influencers to help them promote their products.

In return, you can offer these influencers something valuable – like discounted products or freebies that they can use to drive traffic to their channels. When executed correctly, influencer marketing can result in truly bespoke marketing material, like video tutorials or infographics, that have the ability to go viral.

3. Partner With Local Businesses

If you’re looking to make the most of the local communities in Grimsby, then why not partner with local businesses to create unique experiences for your customers? Chances are, they already have a passionate following among your target audience, so you can expect to see an increase in engagement as a result of your association.

It’s important to remember that not all partnerships have to be mutually beneficial. For example, if you’re looking to grow your brand globally, but need someone to help you navigate the legalities of doing business in a different country, then consider engaging with an international law firm to achieve your business goals.

4. Create Eventual Recruits

In the world of affiliate marketing, marketers will often talk about the importance of having a recurring revenue stream. Having a regular cash flow is great because it allows you to invest in growing your business, whether that’s acquiring new customers, building a team, or researching new products or platforms.

One of the best ways to create a recurring revenue stream is to establish yourself as an expert in your field. People appreciate being able to purchase products from a specialist who can provide additional value and guidance. For example, if you’re a car collector and own a garage, you might consider using your expertise to advise customers on how to maintain and repair their vehicles – establishing yourself as a go-to person for advice in your niche.

This approach has the added bonus of establishing you as an expert in your field, which grants you credibility, regardless of whether or not you actually charge for your advice. You could even monetise the free advice you’re giving away to build an eventual cash flow.

5. Build A Reputation On Social Media

In the same way that traditional media will no longer be effective in today’s world of instantly accessible information, so too social media. If you want to establish yourself as an expert in your field, you can do this effortlessly on social media.

If you’ve followed the above tips, you’ll be well on your way to establishing yourself as an expert in your industry. Having a thriving social media presence will also allow you to build your personal brand, as well as connect with other industry professionals.

“The idea is to be found, not to be quiet,” states Jay McGuiness, CEO of Silent Sales, an international sales consultancy. “So rather than hiding behind a computer screen, become a face in the community — be noticed, not ignored.”

6. Use Video In All The Right Places

If you’re not naturally inclined to create videos, don’t worry – it’s not you! You must consider video to be part of any effective marketing plan.

Here are just a few reasons why video is continuing to grow in popularity.

• People enjoy being visually-led
• It’s a great way to show off your product
• You can add some personality to your video content
• And last but not least, it’s relatively inexpensive to produce.

You should use video in all the right places – on your blog, social media sites, in your emails, and on your mobile and tablet apps.

7. Use Free Blogging And Social Media Platforms

If you’re looking for an easy way to get started with digital marketing in Grimsby, then consider using free blogging and social media platforms. While it’s great to have a business blog with well-written articles and an active social media presence, it’s not always the most effective way to market your business.

If your aim is to drive traffic to your website, then consider creating content for social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. If you want to see results, then avoid free blogging platforms and microblogging sites like Blogspot and Medium.

With a little bit of research, you’ll discover numerous free blogging and social media platforms that you can use to develop your marketing strategy. Plus, you can even create your own custom platforms.

If you decide that blogging and social media aren’t for you, you can move back to the next suggestion.

8. Create A Marketing Plan

Now that you have a good idea of the types of activities you’ll engage in, you can develop a plan to make the most of them.

The fact is, implementing a digital marketing strategy requires some forethought because you can’t just start raking in the leads willy-nilly. You need to have a clear idea of how you’re going to approach the field, what metrics you’ll use to determine the efficacy of your efforts, and what results you’re aiming for.

With a good strategic marketing plan in place, you can move confidently into execution – analysing the results of your efforts and making any necessary adjustments before you start your next campaign.