We are living in a time that hasn’t existed for very long. Within the last 20-30 years, we have created a digital universe that affects our everyday, physical lives in every single aspect. And on top of that, within the last 8 months we’ve had to rely on this alternate reality to substitute normal life because of the pandemic.
Recognizing the importance that technology plays in our world is why digital marketing is so crucial to your brand's strategy. Never underestimate the power of meeting people where they are at.
The Basics
While digital marketing may seem pretty self explanatory, it’s always important to zoom out for a bit and focus on the big picture. Most people probably don’t realize the diverse components of digital marketing as it’s easy to get caught up in the importance of social media and websites.
Digital marketing is any form of online marketing. It includes, but is not limited to, presence on social media, search engine optimization, paid advertisements, websites, email, etc.
The really cool thing about this form of marketing, though, are the multitude of other ways you can reach your audience. Take a look at how your paying clients and followers spend their time online. Are they reading a lot of blogs, watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, or online shopping? Assessing where your people are at online should guide where you are most active. This is the same reason why we pick and choose which social platforms to be on; just as Instagram may not be an appropriate place for your content, Twitter may be exactly where you should post. Different people are into different things; that is the beauty of being flexible and varied across the internet, so you can celebrate those disparities.
The Savings
Being where the people are isn’t the only reason why this form of marketing is so important. There are many other positive reasons why you should be utilizing this crucial marketing system:
Saves the environment: Digital marketing is 100% online meaning by not using papers, inks, and other physical waste as marketing materials, we are saving trees from being cut down and trash from littering our planet.
Saves time: Creating something and then having to print, package, deliver, and release it is time consuming. Where it used to take weeks for people to hear your message in a magazine or printed advertisement, in less than an hour you can create a graphic, type your content, and release it to the world. Isn’t the internet wonderful?
Saves money: The cost of production and shipping? $$$$. The cost of posting on Facebook? Free.
Join the Conversation
Now that you know what digital marketing is and why you should be utilizing it, it’s your turn to use your knowledge and the provided tools to creatively market your business using the magical powers of the internet.
What can your brand do differently online to market your business’s capabilities?