The business world is filled with clients who resist trying a new strategy because they think that their current one works. There is no doubt that your small business can generate a lot of revenue from word of mouth. However, that does not mean that a good digital campaign will not work in your favor. A good digital marketing strategy can help prospects research purchase decisions, ease the pressure on their sales department, shorten the sales cycle and potentially pre-qualify sales.
It's not a question of whether or not what you are doing is working. It's more about what you aren’t doing that can help your company become more efficient and fill the gaps. Retention, acquisition and upsells become much easier with a cross channel marketing strategy. Let's take a look at some of the specific types of digital marketing available:
- SEO - Search Engine Optimization, better known as SEO, is the most cost-effective way to generate more traffic for your business. The aim is simple – have your business page turn up on the first page of Google by optimizing the keywords that you use on your website. The mark of a successful SEO campaign is increased traffic for long, reliable and sustainable periods of time, using proven optimization strategies that work.
- Listings management – Local listings management is the best way for small businesses to appear in more local search result pages. According to a recent statistic by Google, over 94 percent of smartphone users use search engines to find local information. It's an extremely affordable entry level solution for small businesses to increase online presence on key business sites like Google Plus, Bing, Yelp, Angie’s List, and other similar sites.
- Websites – A website is a necessity for small businesses, entrepreneurs, home-based businesses and anybody selling products or offering services. Regardless of the other marketing methods you deploy, enabling potential customers to find you through Google search or learn more about you after they have looked at your marketing material is the key to earning new customers. Think of a website as an extension of your business card. Customers get to learn more about you and therefore, trust you more.
- Banner advertising – While banner ads ideally generate immediate sales, they are also a powerful tool for building brand recognition. Another advantage of a banner ad is that you can target who gets to see your ad by placing it on relevant websites that match your specific demographics. Banner ads will raise the public's awareness of your product or service along with your bottom line.
By the year 2020, there will be close to 26 billion digital gadgets connected through the global ecosystem which makes up the “Internet of Things.” If you do not want to be left behind, you’ll need to jump on the bandwagon and launch a digital advertising strategy with the best small business internet provider. You will not only be helping to 'future-proof' your business, but you will also be able to learn more about your customers and grow both your business and revenue in the process.
Not sure where to start? Consolidated Communications’ Business Marketing Solutions team has a wealth of experience working with small businesses in creating and optimizing digital marketing strategies. You will be surprised at how economical and easy it is to gain new customers. Raise your business to the next level and give our team a call today at 866.687.1580.