Do you remember the days when marketing your business was as simple as printing a few bumper stickers or taking out an ad in your local newspaper?

Times have changed. Not only are we more connected thanks to the digital world, but our marketing strategies have been refined. Marketing has become more streamlined,  and much more effective than a few hundred coffee mugs with your company’s logo on it. There’s no doubt that digital marketing is the leading example.

But does your business need it?

It does. Digital marketing generated $496.8 billion in 2018 alone. Now that might not be a lot of money to the likes of Jeff Bezos our Elon Musk. But even a small portion of that can make all the difference in the world to your business. In order for  digital marketing to be effective, your company needs an effective campaign. Here are six of the best reasons to incorporate digital marketing , starting today.

Digital marketing is much easier than you think

The average American social media user has approximately 7.1 different accounts, and you need to find a way to reach each one consistently and above all, memorably. Social media is as much a part of our daily lives as TV, dinner or… eating dinner by the TV. It doesn’t have to cost much to launch a digital marketing campaign on social media. And the possibilities are endless: Facebook ads, direct outreach to customers, brand tagging. All of these can have a profound effect on customers, whether they’re Gen X-ers, Millennials or Baby-boomers. It does take time, creativity and effort. The same time, creativity and effort you put into your business.

It isn’t just for big companies anymore

It’s hard for a small business to compete with a corporate giant, whether it’s Amazon or General Mills. Consumers generally tend to be drawn in by name recognition as much as product, and there’s no way to ensure your success with your competitors. But whether you’re a brick & mortar retailer or a digital startup, you need to reach customers both where they shop and where they search. With refined strategies in SEO, even smaller businesses are learning to both compete and communicate much more effectively. That’s an investment you simply can’t afford to be without.

Makes targeting customers much more intelligent

The average customer taking out a magazine ad is paying a fairly sizable amount of money to reach what is largely a general audience. And that’s great — if you have a general demographic. But what if your demographic is hobbyists? Or salesmen? Or millennials? You need to develop a clear idea of just who your customer base is. By developing relevant content, you’re reaching a relevant target. Search advertising and social media advertising can help you achieve this with greater clarity, intelligence and focus. That’s not something you’re going to get with a TV commercial.

Digital marketing is far more personal

One of the reasons why people tend to make purchases online is that it provides a much more personalized experience. There’s a coldness and sterility that comes from shopping at a large retail outlet. Customers often feel more like a selling point than a consumer aiming to make a connection with their favorite brands. However, by leveraging tools like email outreach, blogging and social media campaigns into your digital marketing strategies, you’re creating a very real and direct bond with your customers — even if the connection is virtual, not physical. Customers don’t just want that personal connection with a brand. They crave it.

Digital marketing allows significantly more accurate analytics

Sure, focus groups will always be popular. As will market research. But how well do you know if your ad has had a lasting effect on a customer? How did the audience engage with it? How well did it perform? Digital marketing can tell you exactly how customers interacted with your ad, and whether or not it had any significant impact. We’re not just talking about search engine results. With digital marketing, you’ll learn key points of your target audience. You’ll learn who’s actually interested, their ages, their spending habits,how they found out about your product, and how likely they are to return to your site. All the above can be absolutely fundamental to recognizing your core audience. 

Digital marketing aligns with the shopping habits of today’s consumer

According to a recent study from Northwestern University, 95 percent of shoppers indicated they read online reviews prior to making a purchase. It’s not just customer testimonials that carry weight when it comes to spending habits. There’s accessibility, convenience, and most importantly consistency in service. Your customers want to know how to get the best product fast and at the time they need it. Mobile marketing can get them to that point quickly, painlessly, and without hassle.

Digital Marketing — The Future Of Your Business?

Investments in your business will always come at a cost.  Digital marketing is no different. But can you afford to be without it?

It’s been estimated that email alone can generate up to $38 for every $1 spent. That works out to approximately a 3800 percent return on your investment. That’s just with email. When you look at the potential for digital marketing strategies such as Pay Per Click, social media advertising, mobile advertising and content marketing… the possibilities are endless.

Digital marketing is still in its infancy. Chances are that it will never take the place of traditional advertising, but simply be one alternative that’s cost-effective, scalable and efficient. But it’s also becoming more sophisticated and streamlined. In the end, it’s one of the easiest marketing strategies for your business to adapt to.

And we all know that even in the business world, adaptation means the very survival of a business.

Your Local Mark. We’re in the business of building better business through digital marketing. Find out more at Your Local Mark.