The world of online marketing and social media has changed over the years. Back in the day, marketing websites followed a simple model: they would create content, promote that content across social media, and then measure the results of their efforts in terms of site traffic and social media engagement. But the world of digital marketing is a complex one, and simply driving traffic to a website or pumping out a steady stream of content isn’t always the best strategy.
What you need is a website that is built on a solid foundation, with all the right metrics in place. You also need to have a clear objective in mind, and the means to track your progress towards reaching that goal. Finally, you need to have the will to stick to it until you reach your destination. Only then will you have truly created a marketing site you’ve been waiting for.
Features To Look For
Whether you’re designing a medical website or an online store selling clothing, the first thing you will want to consider is whether or not to include features that make life easier for your users. If your site is going to be a hub for information on your products, you will want to make sure that your design and functionality are suitable for people with a scientific background or those who know a lot about your products. Throwing in too many features can make your site too complicated to navigate, especially if you’re not familiar with website design. On the other hand, overly simple websites make for simple, undemanding customers who are less likely to come back.
Design
One of the most important things to consider when building a website is its design. This includes everything from the site’s appearance to its underlying structure. When it comes to medical websites and blogs, you will want to pay special attention to detail when it comes to mimicking the look and feel of a real-life medical journal. There are several tools online that can help you with this process, including mockups, wireframes, and comps.
The way a website’s content is organized and presented is also important, because you want visitors to easily find the information they seek. When your content is displayed in a way that is distinct from a textbook or journal, you can bet that viewers will be more inclined to click on it.
Features That Make Life EASIER
The more functionality and amenities that you can include on your site, the more likely it is that people will use it. This is why it’s important to think about what features would make your life as a customer easier. Do you have a feature on your site that allows readers to easily find the information they are looking for? Does your site have a feature that provides customers with a taste of what your product or service is like, before they make a purchase? Include these features and you’ve got a winning formula. Additionally, some of the more popular products and services on the web include all the functionalities that customers have come to expect, while still keeping a distinctive brand identity.
CUSTOMER CARE
When people are shopping online, they expect an easy, pleasant experience. One of the best ways to ensure that their online shopping trip is as simple and painless as possible is by including features that allow them to contact you directly if they have any questions. You can also use this opportunity to engage with your customers and see what they’re interested in learning more about or purchasing. A simple live chat feature between customers and a marketing rep offers a level of convenience and personalization that was once reserved only for brick-and-mortar storefronts. Plus, as a customer, you can have confidence in knowing that you’re getting the best answer possible from a company you can trust.
DATA COLLECTION
The field of data collection simply means taking notes about your customers and using that information to improve your product or service. You’re probably familiar with the practice of customer profiling, where retailers collect information about their customers’ buying habits, interests, and any other factor that might affect their future purchases. This information is then used to better tailor marketing efforts and in-store promotions.
Data collection can be a powerful tool, but it comes with its risks. If you start seeing too much data, you might start to see patterns that don’t necessarily exist. For example, if you notice that customers who bought an expensive leather jacket were also likely to purchase digital cameras, you would have to question whether or not this connection is truly representative of all your customer data. The key is to use data collection wisely and for specific purposes. If you use the information you collect for marketing purposes, you’re increasing your odds of running afoul of anti-discrimination laws. Additionally, if you decide to change your product or service, you might find that your customers don’t easily find your new website or social media accounts. This could result in a serious dip in revenue. Finally, if you decide to stop collecting data altogether, you’re effectively shutting the door on an important aspect of customer care.
BRAND PRESENCE
A lot of money is wasted on advertising, and many businesses will say that they don’t have the budget for ads, so they have to find other ways to get the word out there about their product. One way is through branding, where a company defines and enforces a common language and symbolic messaging for their customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Let’s say you’re selling pet products and you want to create awareness around the fact that your company is the best in the industry at what it does. You can do this through branding, where you decide to represent yourself as a kind, caring company that cares for animals. You might even include a pet care component in your product offering. The best part is that you can do this without paying for expensive advertising campaigns. As a company, you simply need to invest in branding and ensure that everyone from sales employees to delivery drivers to customers understand what your brand stands for. In the end, branding may not bring in the revenue that you’re expecting, but it can certainly improve your bottom line by creating a better customer experience.
BUSINESS SUCCESS
The final thing you need for a successful online marketing site is a clear indication that you’re accomplishing your goal. You don’t necessarily need to have all the fancy features that we’ve discussed so far to be able to pull it off. But you should have what’s necessary to determine whether or not your strategy is working. If you’re finding that your efforts are not leading to the outcomes you’re looking for, you might have to reconsider your approach. Is your website driving the right audience to your product or service? Are you getting the results you want from your social media platforms? Are your email newsletter campaigns resulting in increased sales? The answers to these questions will determine whether or not you continue to pursue this path or switch gears and try something different.
If you’re wondering where to start with your online marketing journey, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve discussed the essentials, including building a brand, attracting the right audience, and ensuring that your website and social media are effectively communicating your message. From there, you can determine what tools you’ll need to get the most out of your efforts. Do you need a content management system to create and upload new blog posts? A landing page to test out different marketing campaigns? Or perhaps an email marketing platform to send targeted emails to your customers?