Marketing has completely transformed over the past couple of decades due to the advent of the internet. According to Pew Research, “constant” internet usage among adults has increased by 5% every year for the last three years. There is no sign of this trend changing course, and with billions of people connected to the internet, you do not have to be a marketing expert to see that the digital realm is primary. Simultaneously, if you are not a marketing expert or have just even begun to dabble in that world, then it is essential to understand the basics to be successful.
What Is Digital Marketing?
Digital Marketing is a subcategory of marketing that utilizes digital technologies such as the internet to promote products and services. Advertising may take place on a website or mobile app to your desktop computer, smartphone, or other digital media. The end goal is to drive home sales, and to make that happen you must follow the right tactics.
From Leads to Sales
You need to drive traffic to your business website so they can see what you have to offer. Part of this equation falls under Search Engine Optimization (SEO), the process of improving your website’s attributes and content to increase the likelihood of ranking high on search engine result pages (SERPs). While the world of SEO is vast, there are a few key points to drive home that include:
1. Security
Ensure that your website is using the latest security standards, such as the use of SSL certificates.
2. Responsive Design
Since nearly 50% of all web traffic is now done from mobile devices, your website should have a design that adjusts its layout for smartphones and tablets. Google takes notice of this and will dock your search rank if your site is non-responsive.
3. Keywords and Descriptions
The use of keywords and detailed descriptions on all pages is an enormous factor in customers finding your website via search engines.
Outside of catching potential customers on search engines, you can take full advantage of Social Media and Email marketing. Statistics show that 90% of car buyers who use social media feel as though it influenced their decision.
Social Media Marketing
Social platforms such as Facebook or Twitter allow you to advertise your products and services globally. You can target demographics, geographical locations, and age groups, an immensely powerful tool when you are marketing.
Email Marketing
Statistics have shown that 75% of adults prefer email as their communication medium with brand names. Many will see advertisements via email as trash, but you do not need 100%, 50%, or even 25% of people to respond to make it worthwhile. If you can send an advertisement via email and get a 5% return, it is that many more leads than you had without this method.
Conclusion
Are you ready to take on the world of digital marketing? This is merely the tip of the iceberg into marketing competition and potential. The use of effective SEO, Social Media, and Email Marketing gets you in the game with the competition. Leveraging data about your customers and sharpening your call to action to the target audience will help drive sales and expand your brand name to the world.