Are you a business owner struggling the new changes of the new reality? I say "new reality" rather than "new normal" because there is nothing normal about this situation, but we have to face it. It's time to change our strategy because perhaps what was working before isn’t working right now, and that's okay. What is not okay is not to do anything about it by sitting back and hoping for the best. Thousands of business are already adjusting, many business owners who were reluctant to use social media platforms for their business or putting time and effort in SEO and SEM, now they see the need for these highly effective tools.
Learning how these platforms work may seem time consuming and sometimes, terrifying; especially, if you are not a millennial. Instant messaging, connecting with influencers, and posting everything about your life online might not come naturally to you. Thinking of clever keywords to show in the searches and constantly updating your site might seem daunting. However, the reality is that your customers are already online looking for the next restaurant to go to, best coffee house nearby, Eco-friendly dry cleaning or a reliable in-home daycare. If you are not taking the time to be online present, somebody else is, and they’ll be getting your business, making more money, attracting more customers, and gaining more fans.
Why is Digital Marketing Essential for my Businesses?
Your Customers are Online
Whether your audience is teenagers or baby boomers, the reality is they are all shopping online. Especially post COVID-19. It's easier, it's safer, and it's comfortable. Nowadays, the average American spends 5.4 hours a day on their phone and that’s online not talking! This is how people do business today.
When someone has an interest on your business, product or service, whether it is in your niche in general or if they are curious about your brand, the first thing they are going to do is research online and see what they can find out about you, whether you are on social media and if your website is attractive and up-to-date.
If your business doesn't appear in the search, or you don't have a website, most likely you will lose a customer. I can't stress this enough, INVEST IN YOUR WEBSITE. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars, but you do need to have a website that is informative and helpful. forget about carousels and videos, leave that for later, but if you are a restaurant and you don't have your menu on your website you will lose business. It’s as simple as that.
You Can Attract a Larger Audience
By creating a web presence, you are reaching a broader audience. In other words, you are open for business 24/7. You are not limiting your sales to your local customers; you are becoming an option for anyone out there looking for your product or service. Finally, digital marketing allows you to get to know who your customers are. You can create surveys, interact with them, learn what they like and don't like. You can customize your product or service once you learn who you are selling to and generate more sales. Digital marketing costs less than traditional marketing and you get to reach a wider audience.
It's Cheaper and More Effective
Depending on what you sell, there are several platforms to help you create a web or social media presence. Best of all, most of them are free. Once you learn who your target audience is, these platforms are a tool to really help you grow your business. You don't need to be on all of the social media platforms, you can choose one or two and do a really good job advertising your business. These platforms also offer inexpensive advertising options you can set your budget (anything from $10 up!) and try it out for a few weeks. Remember you need to try for several weeks to see results, just like anything else. Digital marketing is not magic, but done right you can see great results.
Now you have read this, find what's the best platform based on your business model. Pick a platform and start using it. Remember, if you don't do it, someone else will!
If you still have questions or need guidance, get in touch for a free, informal chat with me and I can guide you through your options.
I also offer highly cost effective, full service, web and social media solutions for your business. Get in touch!
