How the World of Digital Marketing Can Help Small Businesses

As a small business owner, you have probably heard before how drastically digital technology has changed the way that businesses operate. We have learned that this is especially true through the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, businesses have had to make major adjustments and adapt to new ways of marketing, selling, and operating. All small businesses should dive into the huge marketplace of prospects online. No matter how small the business or how new, don't overlook this goldmine of potential customers for your business.

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What is Digital Marketing?

So, what is digital marketing? People generally think of digital marketing as “online marketing,” however, it goes far beyond the internet. Digital marketing refers to any marketing that uses digital channels to reach potential customers. Including mobile phone messaging (both SMS and MMS), email marketing, social media marketing, display advertising, search engine marketing, and mobile apps.

The Benefits

Below are 5 benefits of digital marketing for small businesses and simple ways that you can get started.

1. Laser-Sharp Targeting

Using data and learning technologies, digital marketing platforms have the ability to get your business in front of those most likely to purchase from you. Facebook has an incredible amount of data about its users and allows you to utilize this data to get your ads in front of the right people. These specifications allow you to be extremely precise on who you want to show your business to. You can target based on some generic information such as age, location, sex, interests, etc. And then you can layer those targeting options with additional options such as recent purchase behavior, life events, income, custom audiences, and lookalike audiences.

2. Affordable and Effective

Online ads are affordable. In fact, Facebook's 4th quarter results show that the cost for ads was down 2%, but ad impressions were up by 34%. Meaning, it is more cost-efficient and ads are converting more than ever before. And due to the masses of people working from home, social media usage is skyrocketing across the globe. Digital marketing provides the flexibility to run ads and drive results no matter what your marketing budget is, that’s the beauty of it! You can decide whether you want to drop $5 per day on ads, or tens of $1000's per day. These platforms have designed their advertising systems to be effective because the more effective they are, the more money you’ll be willing to continue spending on ads.

3. Access to Measurable Results & Testing Capabilities

When advertising online, you have the mother lode of data right at your fingertips. Social media platforms and other digital marketing outlets allow you to check and track data in real-time. Having access to these metrics allows you to get the absolute most out of your advertising budget. You don't have to run a complete campaign and then wait for the data to roll in afterward. You have the ability to stop a campaign right in its tracks if it isn't working or if it is spending too much.

In addition, digital marketing allows you to test and see what is working best. Split testing different ad copy, graphics, and other ad components will help you determine if you're making the most profitable choices with your campaigns. If something isn't working, adapt, and alter that component until you discover what works. Other marketing mediums such as print ads, billboards, radio, and commercials don't give you the freedom or ability to make changes mid-campaign. This is a huge win and money-saver!

4. Convert with Ease and Increase ROI

When marketing online, you have the option to provide clear and convenient calls-to-action (CTA's). You're not asking potential clients to pick up their phone, dial a number, and give you a call. You simply need them to click your CTA button. LEARN MORE, Click Here, Send Message, Download, etc. are examples of simple CTA buttons that people can easily click or tap and complete the action you're wanting. This ease and convenience results in more leads, more conversions, and more revenue for your business.

5. Easy Adaptation

There's a good reason that 95% of small businesses plan to increase their spend on digital marketing this year. Marketing teams have been increasing their digital marketing efforts over the last decade and the recent COVID-19 pandemic kicked things into high gear. Odds are, your competitors in your area are already advertising online! Don't miss out on this goldmine of an opportunity to grow your business digitally.

Let's Get.. Digital

Digital marketing goes beyond just advertising on social media platforms. Using a combination of top-tier websites, dialed-in email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), social proof utilization, and automation technologies creates a cost-efficient yet profitable way for your business to obtain and nurture leads. We know this can sound overwhelming if you're just beginning but we can assure you, it is worth it!

Getting Started

No matter if you're just dipping your toes in the digital marketing waters or if you simply don't have the time to manage it, we are here to help. Here at Freelance Crew, we can help you with as much or as little as you need. Our services include one-on-one coaching, marketing campaign building and management, content creation, email and SMS marketing, and more. Let's chat and determine how your business can benefit by hiring Freelance Crew. Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We can't wait to talk to you!

 

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