In 2015, 80% of businesses expected to increase their digital marketing budgets. But, unfortunately, in 2018, if you’re not one of them, you’re not only falling behind, you’re falling off the map.
Don’t worry; it’s not too late to boost your digital marketing strategies. Whether you’re a total neophyte or waded into the digital marketing waters, this guide can introduce you to the ten must-know strategies–or remind you if you’ve forgotten.
10 Must-Know Digital Marketing Strategies
As you’re reading this digital marketing strategies guide, keep in mind that you don’t have to do all of these to enhance your business’s conversions. Don’t feel overwhelmed. You can pick one or two and start there.
When you feel comfortable implementing those strategies, come back to this list and choose another couple to add to your digital marketing plan.
➊ Make Sure Your Website Is Responsive
What is a responsive website?
Responsive websites are mobile-friendly. They avoid using Flash and feature readable text. In addition, the content is sizeable, so it looks great on any device, and links are tappable.
Why do you need one?
People using mobile phones will go to over five billion worldwide by 2019. Don’t alienate those users by using an unresponsive website design.
How do you get one?
You’ll need to design a new website in-house or enlist the services of a web developer.
➋ Use Rich Answers
What are Rich Answers?
Have you ever typed a question into Google and received the answer to your question in a handy box at the top of the search engine results page (SERP)? That’s a rich answer.
Why do you need them?
Providing rich answers establishes your website as an authority, but it puts you at the top of the SERP.
How do you use them?
You’ll need first to offer the perfect answer to the questions your ideal customers ask. Make sure your answer is:
- concise
- detailed
- relevant
- appropriate
Your web developer can help you format your rich answers so that they’re more likely to appear at the top of the SERP.
➌ Use Social Media
What is Social Media?
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn are examples of social media networks. These sites and apps allow you to communicate directly with your audience.
Why do you need it?
The millennial generation uses social media to find businesses to work with. This generation is both large and active. You don’t want to miss out on connecting with them.
How do you use it?
Don’t try to master every social media network. Instead, choose one or two that align with your business and focus on engaging your audience.
➍ Use Email Marketing
What is Email Marketing?
Email marketing allows you to connect directly with subscribed–i.e., interested and engaged–audience members.
Why do you need it?
Despite the prevalence of social media, email marketing is still super effective in driving customers to business websites.
How do you use it?
First, make sure you understand CANNSpam laws. Then, start inviting people to subscribe to your mailing list. Set a regular schedule and send out a variety of engaging content.
➎ Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
What is SEO?
SEO is the process of making your website more attractive to search engines like Google.
Why do you need SEO?
The higher up your website appears on SERPs; the more likely users will visit your website. This is because SEO helps search engines find your website.
How do you use it?
You can hire an SEO specialist or perform some SEO tasks in-house. SEO has grown to include everything from keyword research to website functionality, so how you implement SEO practices might be unique to your business goals and budget.
➏ Local Search Marketing
What is Local Search Marketing?
Local search marketing means making your business information available to local users.
Why do you need it?
You need local search marketing because users still like to find local businesses even in our digital world.
How do you implement it?
You can hire a pro for this, but there’s a lot you can also do yourself. Start by ensuring that all of your NAP (name, address, phone) listings are accurate.
➐ Write a Blog
What is a blog?
A blog is an online log where you can post entries, and your audience can comment on your posts.
Why do you need one?
Blogs are opportunities to become an authority. They’re also opportunities to connect with your audience. A third benefit is they inform search engines that your website is active.
How do you write a blog?
Write about anything relevant to your customers. One of the keys to successful blogging is consistency, so don’t bite off more than you can chew.
➑ Post In Forums
What are forums?
Forums are online communities where users can talk about products, experiences, and brands asynchronously in threads.
Why do you need them?
Not only can they be a great way to build your brand authority and connect with an audience, but they can provide backlinks to your website (good for SEO).
How do you use them?
Find a forum relevant to your business, or use a general one like Reddit. Read and respond to other users’ posts with interesting information.
➒ Manage Your Online Reputation
What is your online reputation?
Reviews and testimonials comprise your online reputation.
Why should you manage it?
Your online reputation is powerful. It can make or break sales.
How do you manage it?
Customers will use social media and review sites (think Yelp, for example) to leave feedback. If the feedback is positive, you should reply; if it’s negative, you need to reply.
➓ Host A Webinar
What is a webinar?
A webinar is an online, interactive lecture or talk about a topic on which you’re an authority.
Why host one?
Hosting a webinar lets you connect with your audience and convince them that you’re an industry and/or niche authority.
How do you host a webinar?
First, plan about an hour’s worth of content. For example, you might want to use a slide deck. Then, market your webinar.
You can host the actual event using software or social media. Then, follow up with your audience afterward to maximize conversions.
Final Thoughts
A key theme in many of these digital marketing strategies is customer-focused. Providing engaging content, anticipating customer questions, and making your business accessible are all at the center of these strategies.
Do you have questions about any of these digital marketing strategies? Contact us, and we’d be happy to help.
