When it comes to digital marketing, there are several different approaches you can take. If you’ve just brought your business online, it can be difficult to determine where to start. Should you use pay-per-click advertising? Would email marketing be an effective way to reach customers? Should you devote the time to building a presence on social media, or start a blog? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. As with anything else, some approaches are better than others. Here’s a quick overview of some of the best ways to promote your business online.
Start a Blog
Blogging is a great way to drive traffic to your website and increase your business website’s visibility in search engine results. Before you begin blogging, spend some time creating an editorial calendar that outlines post topics for the coming months. Having a plan mapped out can help you keep up you’re your content. Make sure to tailor your content for your customers. Writing engaging content with your audience in mind will keep visitors coming back to your website. It will also help build your reputation as an influencer in your industry. Initially, your blog following may not be very large, but if you post high quality content consistently, the number of people visiting your site will grow over time. Blogging is an inexpensive way to connect with your audience and promote your business.
Develop Your Social Media Presence
Chances are you’ve probably heard that it’s important to have an active presence on social media. This is definitely true, but it’s important to focus your efforts on one or two channels if you’re just getting started. There are thousands of social networks out there, and while it may be tempting to sign up for an account everywhere, it’s an impractical strategy. Countless profiles can be extremely difficult to maintain effectively. Sticking with one or two accounts on major social networks can help you build an engaging social media presence without spreading yourself too thin. Consider getting started with Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. Focus on developing content and connecting with potential customers on one channel, and then add a second account over time.
Connect with Customers via Email
There’s a lot of buzz in the marketing world about social media and mobile, but the fact is that email is still the most effective way to connect with your target customers. If you already have a database of customer emails, you’re ahead of the game. If you don’t, encourage loyal customers to provide you with their contact information so that you can reach out to them via email. There are a number of platforms you can use to create and transmit professional email marketing messages designed to get your audience clicking. Focus on using this channel to share valuable content with your customers, such as notifications about special promotions or discounts. Just make sure you think through your strategy. The most effective email campaigns add value for customers without bombarding them with too much information.
There are many options for business owners that are interested in exploring online marketing to expand their reach with customers. If you’re just getting started, focus on building a blog and an active social media presence, then map out your email marketing strategy. These three channels can help you build your following online and increase your sales over time.
About the author: Elizabeth Barackman is an experienced freelance writer that covers digital marketing, business, and technology.