Advantages of Digital Marketing for Business Success
It’s safe to say that the world of business as we know it, has changed forever, which is why specialist digital marketing consultants like Sonous Digital Marketing Ireland are now in such demand.
No longer are traditional business models as effective as they were in the past and even the days of the glamorous flagship store that showcases our brands, seems to be numbered.
You may say that this is obvious, but it is surprising how many major brands are still stuck in traditional marketing mode. There could be many reasons for this and it is true to say that some product categories do not adapt as quickly to ecommerce development. However, all organisations do need to take serious note of changing consumer behaviour and make sure that marketing strategies are aligned to new trends.
This is where the business of digital marketing comes in and ideally it should become the main focus of any marketing strategy into the future.
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What Is Digital Marketing Strategy?
Basically, digital marketing encompasses all those activities that are aimed at connecting with and attracting potential customers on the internet and on various forms of digital communication.
To many, this entails developing a website, but actually, it’s far more than just that.
Digital Media should be viewed as a comprehensive strategy, that aims to attract a specific target audience, through a variety of internet media platforms, with a consistent message. All of these platforms should aim to attract visitors to the website, where they can search for information and finally, purchase the product.
Examples of digital marketing initiatives, include responsive website design, search engine optimisation (SEO), E Mail Marketing, social media platforms, Google adverts, Facebook advertising, Instagram marketing, and the like.
You should consider digital marketing as part of your overall traditional marketing strategy, but now, should be moving it to the forefront.
What Are The Benefits Of Digital Marketing?
If you’re not entirely up to speed with online marketing you will be forgiven for assuming that digital marketing means having a website and maybe a Facebook page. Partially true, but it is now far more than that. Let’s explain.
Digital marketing strategy is a comprehensive and sometimes technical process, that includes the many activities undertaken in online marketing. It encompasses the promotion of products and brands on the Internet, using multiple channels and technologies and enables marketers to accurately target prospective customers and to analyse results, in real time.
Examples of digital marketing activities include website marketing, search engine optimisation, social media marketing, digital advertising, e mail marketing and content marketing, to name a few.
In short it is obvious that digital marketing has become critical for success in modern business and so, we take a look at some of its many advantages:
Some Advantages of Digital Marketing
Achieving global reach
When we talk about online marketing, we talk in the many millions. Of prospective customers that is.
Depending on the platforms used, the amount of money spent, the relevance of the advertising message and other factors, any organisation has the potential to market their products and brands on a global basis. This would be unachievable to the majority of companies using traditional marketing strategies.
And one can do this, all from the comfort of a single small office anywhere in Ireland.
Increased competitiveness
Imagine your small company being able to compete on an even keel with any of your larger competitors. Well this is entirely possible. If you’re innovative enough with your content and have a professionally driven SEO strategy, you will be able to reach as many people as larger companies that have much bigger marketing and advertising budgets.
Achieving growth through increased sales volumes has never been easier. This is why employing the services of a professional digital marketing consultants like Sonous Digital Digital Marketing Ireland, makes so much sense. They will help you to grow your business online and to be competitive in a challenging market.
Accurate and effective targeting
One of the biggest challenges with traditional marketing has always been that of accurate segmentation and target market selection.
The ability to analyse data accurately on a live basis, is a major benefit of digital marketing. Everything relating to user behaviour on the internet is measurable and one can now track a consumer’s behaviour and decision making process right through the search and buying process. This allows for the targeting of content to users, that is relevant to the stage of the buying process that they are in.
The availability of this data and the ability to target accurately, results in significant budget savings. There is minimal wastage, because every Euro is accurately targeted where it counts.
Measurement of Results
The ability to instantly measure the effect of marketing initiatives online, alleviates the need for expensive research to determine campaign results. Even return on investment can be gauged.
Web analytics and other online tools, allow the marketer to accurately determine the results of any marketing campaign and provides a detailed analysis of consumer awareness, behaviour and perceptions of a product or brand.
Brand awareness and credibility
Nothing beats the Internet for quickly creating brand awareness and building credibility. Having a strong and relevant online presence, supported by creative digital media and quality content on credible platforms, will ensure that you earn the trust of consumers. This can be reinforced by interaction with potential customers along the way, to address concerns and to answer questions.
Your brand’s search results will soon let you know the level of interest and acceptance you have earned. If your brand pops up high on the organic search results on a search engine like Google, well then your answer is clear to all.
Customer engagement and loyalty
It’s hard to achieve customer loyalty, but if you manage this then your brand is halfway there. The key to keeping customers loyal is to be aware of their changing needs and to provide platforms for two-way interaction with customers.
Digital marketing platforms allow brands to run a continuous conversation with their customers if so desired. Addressing customers on a personal basis and valuing their loyalty, all but guarantees conversion and repeat sales.
Tactics such as using personalised e mailers and social media platforms, allow companies to keep their customers involved with the latest trends and product launches and to interact whenever necessary. This includes putting out fires when so required, such as addressing product quality problems or countering negative conversation online.
Tweaking for Success
Any marketer will tell you that some traditional marketing campaigns work better than others. Some turn out to be completely ineffective, even with large budgets committed. The same applies to digital marketing campaigns, however, there is a difference.
The beauty of an online campaign, is that it can be accurately measured for performance and if shown to be ineffective, it can be tweaked as required, without the negative budget ramifications of old.
Choosing A Digital Marketing Consultant
So as can be seen, digital marketing is a prerequisite for success in business. No doubt about it. The stakes are just too high not to fully commit to creating a professional reputation online.
Finding a digital marketing specialist like Sonous Digital Marketing Ireland as your digital partner in business, is critical to developing online initiatives that work for your business.
Technical skills like search engine optimisation (SEO), are best left to the experts, but the payback will come in the form of increased brand awareness, credibility and ultimately sales and business growth.
