If digital marketing isn’t a part of your business priorities, it should be. At a time when more and more people are referring to Google searches for answers, it’s important to make sure your business has a prominent online presence and is easy to find. Whether you’re just now exploring digital marketing benefits, or if you’ve been putting it off for a while, it’s time to make some space in the schedule to get started.
We’ve put together a quick video that explores 4 easy digital marketing changes you can make to your website, social profiles, and more today to attract new customers and retain the attention of your previous clients. Give it a watch or check out our breakdown below that explores what you can do, why you can do it, how to optimize your approach, and how this all cumulates into more benefits for your company. Once you get started, you’ll never want to stop!
In a rush? Review our infographic of digital marketing tips to get the highlights.
Step 1: Optimize Your Web Design (And Always Double Check It)
This may be the first thing you hear each time you seek digital marketing advice, and you may think your web design is fine and already good to go. Worse, you may know your website needs some updates, but you fear you don’t know enough about layout editing and you’re worried you’ll mess something up. There are a lot of easy solutions to assist you no matter what you’re worried about, even if you’re doing DIY. Think of your website as your online storefront — it’s a little nerve-racking to add some updates, but they go a long way to impressing your customers and getting them to checkout.
Why It Matters:
New Clients and Past Customers
75% of business credibility influence comes from your web design — if your web design is lacking, the majority of your visitors may assume you are not a credible and trustworthy business. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, find contact info, and make purchases.
Mobile Searches
How to Make Your Web Design Work for You
New Clients and Past Customers
Make Your Content Clear and Skimmable
Have a Call-to-Action Upfront and Easy to Find
Step 2: Search Engine Optimization and Keyword Usage (It’s Simpler for You to Start than You Think)
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the act of making the content on your website search-engine friendly, aka Google-friendly. The more SEO-friendly your website is, the more likely you are to show up higher in Google search results that relate to your company. Although a professional local SEO company can handle the specifics of this in great detail, there are a few things you can do yourself at home to get started.
Why It Matters:
Visitor Experience
When utilized correctly, SEO focused websites display information easily and quickly to visitors. The goal is to mark your most sought-out products and services in bold so they are easily displayed.
How to Get Started with SEO
Use Keywords or Search Phrases in Your Content
Ever wondered how people find your website? More likely than not, from a search engine, like Google. So how do you improve your Google ranking? Consider what services you offer, what products you sell, and where your main demographic location is (for instance, are you a local business or do you provide for people across a large span like an entire coast or the country?). Type those services into Google and check the “related searches” or “suggested searches.” Those are key phrases you want to include in your content, because Google will match those to the searches happening and mark you as a relevant solution.
Location, Location, Location
Keep it Natural, and Minimal
Step 3: Spruce Up Your Social Media Profiles (They’re More Valuable Than You Know)
No matter who your primary demographic is, they utilize one form of social media or another. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, or another popular social app, by not utilizing the right platforms you are limiting your reach and missing out on untapped community engagements. As generations adapt to online communication and community, your genuine connection online influences their spending in major ways.
Why It Matters:
Brand Strengthening
Users want to feel connected to a brand, and social media is how they get to know a brand, like they would a friend. More so than you may think, users pay attention to a company’s ethics, business practice, and more. Today more than ever before, users want to invest in a company that has a strong message and tone that aligns with their beliefs. Social media is how you help display those brand traits.
Advertising
Awareness
At the end of the day, people are all over social media, chatting with friends and family and browsing their feed. By placing an ad or a post into social media even once a week, you are popping into user’s minds, making sure they think of you next time they’re considering a new purchase.
How to Utilize Social Media in Digital Marketing
Research
Keep a Schedule
Consistency and reliability is key. It sends the wrong message to your followers if you post infrequently, drop off for a few months, and then come back. Even if you can only commit to once a week, do it. Content creation and realistic planning is vital here. Schedule your posts at least once a month in advance, so you’re always on top of things. You can always adjust your posts to fit timely events, but this way you know you’re covered. Then, you only need to log in to manage messages and engage positively with commenters!
Focus on Community Connection Over Promotions
You don’t want to be constantly advertising in your profile. Your goal should be connecting with followers and users, and getting them engaged before focusing on the sales funnel. Humanize your brand with fun photos, stories, and candids. Be a real person first and focus on advertising intermittently.
Step 4: What You’re Missing From Email Marketing
Never forget to invest in email marketing! A top notch website, SEO focused content, and engaging social media profiles still do not make up for the simplicity and effectiveness of email marketing. If you’re already using email marketing strategies, we have a few tips to help you improve. And if you’ve never started before, our tips will get you off the ground.
Why It Matters:
$40 Results from $1 Spent
Consumers Want It
Half of consumers note that they like to receive weekly emails containing promotions from the brands and companies that they like.
Remain Relevant
Stay in Touch
Tips and Tricks on How-To Optimize Email Marketing
Focus on Personalization and a Catchy Subject Line
Use Media and Call to Actions
Be Consistent
Bonus Tips!
Videos
- Videos keep visitors engaged with your content longer, whether it’s on your website, your social media, or in an email. This is great for online reputation management and conversation rates.
- You can choose to create short animated videos using a variety of programs with ready-made templates that are easy to edit, or you can film short messages with real employees to connect and showcase the humans behind your company.
User-Curated Content
- The idea of always having to make a post, create an email, stay on top your website content can feel overwhelming. Do not be afraid to use user-curated content (where applicable and that doesn’t interfere with copyright or privacy issues).
- Share posts on social media, highlight reviews or images shared by customers in your emails, comment on industry news in your blog. This is an easy way to stay on top of your posting and humanize your brand to showcase real people gaining benefit from your services.
Industry News
- Commenting on or resharing industry news shows a dedication to your community and an involvement on new trends, topics, and developments.
- Share news posts, write a response blog article, or even write about the developments you’ve been noticing yourself. Commenting on industry news with professional opinions gives credibility and conveys knowledge to your client base.
Provide Tips and Tricks
- Everyone loves getting something for free, and that includes knowledge, walk-throughs, and insider info. Providing tips and tricks to your followers allows them to get a taste of your expertise and put the info to the test before needing a full on commitment.
- Create brief videos, make a walkthrough blog entry, share your favorite recommendations in an email to common user problems that your company helps solve. No matter what your industry, you can always provide more info.
Conclusion
Digital marketing can be simple and straight forward, and has outstanding benefits for your company. Just remember:
Simple
Consistent
Engaging
Authentic and Genuine
If you still have questions, or you want to share how our Baltimore online marketing agency helped you with your business, comment below! You can always email us or connect with us on social media.
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