Have you ever heard of digital marketing? If not, don’t worry – you’re in good company. According to HubSpot Blogs research, 56% of business owners have never employed digital marketing, and 80% consider it to be a bit outside their wheelhouse.
The good news is that with the right training and mentorship, you can learn to be a strategic marketer, and – more importantly – you can learn to use digital marketing to your advantage.
Here are some top tips on how to get started, should you decide to explore this new and exciting marketing sphere.
Set A Goal
Setting a goal, and tracking your progress afterwards, is a vital part of any marketing plan. You wouldn’t start cooking without a plan, and you shouldn’t market without one either. You can use any goal – from increasing web traffic to becoming the best-selling product in your industry – but be sure to set a SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely) target.
Your goal should be achievable and relevant to your business. For example, if you’re marketing a restaurant guide, your goal might be to get five new restaurant reviews published in local papers. Or if you’re an e-commerce business, your goal might be to increase your store’s average order value by 10%.
Dress To Impress
Dressing appropriately is of paramount importance when marketing your product or service. Therefore, you should strive to look your best at all times, and exercise, diet, and grooming are essential to achieve this. When you dress well, you will feel good, and this will boost your confidence. This, in turn, will make you appear more competent and willing to engage with potential customers. Studies have also shown that people who wear clean and neat clothing are perceived as more intelligent by others – so you might want to consider investing in some nice clothes!
Use The Right Media Channels
When you’re deciding what platforms to use for marketing, it’s important to think about your audience’s behaviour and interests. Deciding whether to use social media or a blog to promote your business can be tricky, because each has its perks and quirks.
A blog is a popular choice for entrepreneurs and small businesses, due to its ease of use and the opportunities it presents for engagement. Start a blog on your own terms – whether you choose to focus on food, travel, or business tips – and use the blog to showcase your expertise and establish yourself as an authoritative voice in your industry.
If you run a food blog, for example, you might want to consider using it to show off your passion for food and to establish your credibility as an expert in your field – getting people to trust you and your advice is a key component of any marketing plan.
Stay Updated On Trends
Keeping up with the trends is important in any industry, but it’s especially important in the marketing sphere. Choosing products and services that your audience is more likely to be interested in is the key to popular engagement. For example, if you’re marketing a health blog, you might want to consider creating content about vegan diets, following the latest fitness trends, or sharing content from well-known health experts. Being able to relate your product or service to these trendy themes will make a huge difference in your ability to engage with potential customers.
Understand Your Audience
Every business is different, and this applies to marketing too. If you’re not familiar with your audience’s demographics, lifestyle, and interests, it can be hard to market to them and establish meaningful connections. One of the best ways to understand your audience is by doing some research online. You can find a lot of information about your industry and the demographics that make up your audience – whether this is by country, gender, or age. This information will help you tailor your strategies and approaches to match what your audience wants and needs.
Get Inspired
If you’re not creative, it can be hard to come up with unique and striking ideas for marketing. However, there are numerous places online where you can find inspiration for marketing materials, campaigns, and websites. Whether you choose to browse through a blog, a fashion/style website, or an entrepreneurial/small business-related resource, you are sure to come across content that will inspire you.
If you are looking for ways to increase your web traffic, take a look at our web traffic generation tips, or contact our team for a free consultation!