Bamboozled By Digital Marketing? Don’t Be.

The Digital explosion in the last decade had no doubt revolutionised the way we do business. Nearly half the world’s population is online. And that means there are huge numbers of potential customers for your business. But how do you tap into this potentially lucrative market? And do it with a tight budget?

Let’s get back to basics. After all, we’re not all super savvy in technology. Here are some digital marketing channels you could be using now.

Content Marketing

For many, content is still King. However, with customers demanding convenience, you have to use it wisely. Those interesting newsletters, articles and blogs have to have connectivity with your customers. To make your content more interesting, use pictures, infographs, videos, podcasts, etc. Invite interaction, feedback and questions. What does your customer want to see? Keep on top of your blogs and reply quickly to requests. If you don’t provide your customers with what they want, your competitor is only a click away. And, think about this – ‘Seventy percent of consumers place peer recommendations and reviews above professionally written content. (by Reevo, published in e-marketer)

Email Marketing

Email is still an excellent way to connect and engage with customers. And it’s cheap. Invite potential customers to join your email list so that you can keep them up to date with a new product or service. Offer loyalty awards, discounts or even freebies. Anything that drives traffic to your business has the potential to increase your customer base and profitability. Go for the long haul (retention) rather than the quick sale.

Other Websites

Don’t be afraid of collaboration with other businesses. Use their websites to send traffic to yours. This can be especially useful for small local businesses as well as bigger companies. Display links to your own web pages and issue customer invites to receive emails. Exchange advertising displays to your mutual benefit.

Social Media

Don’t underestimate the opportunities that Social Media can provide. Think of Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, etc. where you can put up your business page with links to your website. Family and friends all have extended links to people or businesses you are not yet aware of. Engage with potential customers by offering discounts and deals.

SEO (search engine optimisation)

There is no doubt; your online presence can have an immense advantage in ensuring customers ‘see you’. You can guide more traffic your way by utilizing SEO. Using keywords and phrases that are likely to be searched for by customers will help drive customers to your website.

Aside from these basic digital marketing methods, Mobile Marketing, is the biggest grower of today. Mobile usage is increasing by millions globally. And, since customers want convenience in this ‘I want it now’ age, mobile marketing is certainly the way forward.