Before You Make Your Decision

You’ve decided to go with an online marketing platform to help your business grow. Now’s the moment of truth: which one to choose? There are plenty of the likes of Shopify, where you can create an eCommerce store in a matter of minutes. Do you want to build a blog to complement your existing eCommerce store? Hop on over to WordPress to try out the world’s #1 content management system. The list is endless, but which one is the best fit for your business?

The right platform will take the stress out of getting your business online. It will provide you with a safe and secure location to house your content, whether that’s blog posts, product reviews, or any other type of content you may want to use to engage with your audience. An online marketing platform will also help you to build trust with your audience as you build your brand, and allow you to track the success of your campaign in real time.

Functionality

Make sure you’re purchasing a reputable and scalable platform. The functionality of the tool will influence your entire experience as a user. Consider functionality when making your decision. The key considerations are ease of use, reliability, and support. Look for a tool that provides the most basic functionality yet has enough bells and whistles to make your life easier. More importantly, make sure the platform you choose provides you with the tools to grow your business.

User Experience

UX is all about how easy it is to use a tool: does it work smoothly and is it simple to navigate? Pay close attention to the overall user experience when selecting an online marketing platform. Look for a tool that has an elegant design and intuitive interface. The ideal platform should provide you with a pleasant experience whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out. Ensure that the layout and navigation of the tool is simple and easy to use, as your target audience may not be tech savvy.

Ease of Implementation

No matter what stage your business is at, you’ll eventually need to implement an online marketing strategy. To that end, make sure that the platform you choose is as easy to implement as possible. This means that there should be no learning curve associated with using the tool. It should simply “work”. Even better, if you’re implementing the platform yourself, take into account the time it will take you to learn how to use it effectively. Learning a new tool is never easy, but especially not when you’re trying to spend time building your business. Don’t forget about the small businesses that implement these tools each and every day. They’re the backbone of our economy, and you should choose a tool that is easy to use for the average Joe or Jane that’s looking to promote their product or service.

Cost

The cost of the tool will be a major deciding factor in your decision-making process. In general, cheaper is better when it comes to this particular item. However, it is always preferable to purchase a premium account if you’re looking to use a tool for marketing purposes. The main reason behind this is that you will need to purchase additional add-ons to achieve certain functionalities. For instance, if you are looking for an automated email marketing tool, you will need to purchase that directly from the tool vendor.

Security and Privacy

The final point to keep in mind when selecting the right tool is security and privacy. You want to make sure that your data is safe and secure at all times, and that your competitors cannot gain access to it. To that end, find a platform that is 100% GDPR compliant, and implements effective data encryption protocols. The ideal solution is one that provides you with a dedicated customer support team who is available to you via email 24/7. The last thing you want to do is run up a phone bill with a call to customer service because you’re unable to solve a problem yourself. Ensure that your data is secure, and that it cannot be accessed by third parties. This is especially important if you’re selling products or services online. People can, and often do, get tricked by unscrupulous businesses who claim they can improve their financial situation by giving away their personal information. Avoid this at all costs and ensure that your security and privacy is a top priority.

Final Takeaway

Choosing the right online marketing platform can be challenging; however, it’s absolutely essential if you want to succeed in your venture. Take your time and do your research. Compile a short list of the top contenders, and then go back and forth with each company to get the best possible deal. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The more you use a tool, the more you’ll realize how much it will improve your life, and the more you’ll want to use it. Ensure that you’re purchasing a reputable and scalable platform. The functionality of the tool will influence your entire experience as a user. Consider usability when making your decision. The layout and navigation of the tool should be simple and easy to use. Ensure that the platform you choose is easy to implement and doesn’t require extensive training to use effectively. Security and privacy are also key factors to keep in mind if you’re implementing the tool yourself. The last thing you want to do is purchase a tool that will eventually prove to be unsuccessful just because it’s difficult to use. Ensure that the tool you choose is affordable and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. If you do end up selecting one of these platforms, it’s important to update your list occasionally to ensure you’re always comparing the best available options. With each update, you’ll be able to compare the latest features and functionalities against your initial criteria. This way, you’ll always know exactly what you’re comparing against when making your decision.