Despite how much time we all spend online these days, we still see Sarasota-Manatee small business owners who don’t think they need digital marketing.
Whether their opinion stems from ignorance, stubbornness or denial, their local companies suffer from not having an online presence.
We’re not talking about anything crazy or “out there.” You don’t have to dive into a whole new complex system to take advantage of today’s digital marketing options. Even the most basic online tools can make a huge impact on your business.
What is Digital Marketing?
Basically, “digital marketing” is information about your company online. It can include online ads on other websites and social media. But it’s so much more than that!
Digital marketing includes your business’s website, social media accounts, online directories and even your e-newsletter.
All of these things can be direct and indirect marketing tools for spreading brand recognition and information.
Here are some of the many incredible things your small business gains with a straightforward website and digital marketing options.
24/7 Customer Availability
Say someone out there is looking for information about your business, or just searching for a business that does what you do in Sarasota-Manatee.
If all you do is traditional marketing, here are their options:
- Look under the proper category in the Yellow Pages
- Remember where they saw your billboard, flyer, or print ad, and track it down.
- Wait for your TV or radio spot to run again.
- And lastly, wait for your regular business hours to call or visit in person
But with even the most basic Deckard & Company WordPress website design or digital marketing package, anyone with a smartphone can find information about your company (and even interact, ask questions, book appointments, and more) at any hour of the day.
Real-Time Interaction with Anyone, Anywhere
Not only can your customers access information 24/7, but with digital marketing tools, you can interact with people whenever you want. Answer their questions and follow-up with your own inquiries. No delays, no geographical barriers.
Digital marketing instant communications can include:
- General company email inbox (ie “[email protected]” with emails forwarded to the email of your choosing)
- Website information request form, with requests sent to the email of your choosing
- Social media comments
- Social media DMs
- Popup chat window on your website
Real-time Tracking and Monitoring
Want to know what’s working and what isn’t in your marketing efforts? Digital marketing tracks a thousand different human interactions and activities. (And a professional digital marketing expert can help you decipher those metrics.)
Personalized Targeting
Likewise, digital marketing allows for incredibly precise ad targeting to the people most likely to need your brand, whether through boosted posts or ads on social media, or digital display ads on other websites through Google PPC.
Affordability and ROI
Of course, one of the most common myths about digital marketing for small businesses is that it’s too expensive. Or that you should wait until you’re more established before you make the investment.
Frankly, in today’s digital age, good luck trying to grow your business without digital marketing.
With all the advantages to digital marketing we’ve named here, and more, traditional marketing just can’t give you the ROI it used to.
And when you use a boutique digital marketing agency like Bradenton’s Deckard & Company, you can rest assured you’re getting the highest quality work combined with personalized attention, for a price that simply can’t be beat.
In conclusion, small businesses need digital marketing to thrive in today’s digital age. Despite some business owners’ reluctance, having an online presence is essential for brand recognition and success. Digital marketing encompasses various online tools such as websites, social media accounts, online directories, and e-newsletters. By utilizing digital marketing, small businesses can benefit from 24/7 customer availability, allowing potential customers to access information and interact with the business at any time. Real-time interaction breaks geographical barriers and enables businesses to engage with customers promptly. Digital marketing also provides the advantage of tracking and monitoring marketing efforts, allowing businesses to assess what strategies are effective. Moreover, personalized targeting ensures that advertisements reach the most relevant audience, increasing the chances of conversion. Contrary to common misconceptions, digital marketing is affordable and offers a higher return on investment compared to traditional marketing methods. Partnering with a boutique digital marketing agency can provide small businesses with high-quality work and personalized attention at a competitive price. Overall, embracing digital marketing is crucial for small businesses to remain competitive and grow in the digital landscape.
Deckard & Company. All Rights Reserved.