Top 10 digital marketing tips for small businesses

 

Every small business owner should take advantage of digital marketing strategies. Those who abandon their digital presence risk being left behind and overtaken by the competition, so it’s important to make this a prime concern.

Whether you’re not sure where to begin, my top secret  digital marketing tips aim to offer plenty of ideas for growing your small business digitally and getting noticed by potential customers.

1. Research competitors and differentiate yourself

Competitor research is crucial because as a local business, you should understand what you can offer to potential customers that your competitors can’t? Google search is a great place to start. Do deep research about your competitors. 

2. Talk to your customers

Every marketing strategy needs research. This is why you should spend some time speaking with your customers. You may already have a good understanding of your targeted customers and their needs but, if you want to build a long-term and successful relationship with them, you will need to research. Example: Interviews and surveys.

3. Get your website basics right

It’s very easy to get your website basic right. Every visitor needs a fast loading webpage and ease of use as a minimum concern. As a local business, you may not have the same budget as the bigger international firms, but you can at the very least get the basics right. 

4. Upgrade Google My Business listing and customer reviews

Your online influence as a small business owner could be the deciding factor when an expected customer is searching for your product/service. Luckily, with Google My Business, you have a level of power when it comes to managing how people recognize your business. 

5. Create interesting blog content

If you’re in a very competitive industry you need to think about a content strategy that will drive outcomes. When it comes to SEO, it is highly doubtful that you will rank on the first page of Google for a broad term.This is where your blog content plays a prime role. It will help you get found but will also give you content to share on your social media. It will allow you to mold a deeper connection with your customers and showcase your knowledge.

6. Create professional visual content

  • 94% of marketers agree that video has helped increase user understanding of their product or service
  • 87% say it helped them increase sales and leads
  • 86% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, meaning that you might be left behind by the competition.

you can collaborate with a talented local video agency/freelancer to get your own video campaign started.

7. Improve your local SEO

Local SEO is the execution of optimizing a website in order to increase traffic, lead generation and brand awareness from local search. When potential customers check Google to look for a local business, you want to be right in front of those search results.

8. Develop email marketing

Email marketing is the finest way to make the customers on your email list acknowledge new products, discounts, and other services. It can also help to educate your audience on the value of your brand or keep them engaged between purchases.

If you are struggling with this area, you can also complete a free email marketing certification course from Hubspot.

9. Concentrate on a primary social media channel

Social media marketing strategies are always updating. But these platforms remain a free and easy tool for businesses to attach directly with people interested in their products or services.

focus on the relevant social media platform to your business and where your customers are most active. As a small business owner, you probably won’t require resources to manage more than one channel effectively so it’s important to utilize the time that you do have available.

10. Partner with local influencers

Influencer marketing isn’t just for big business. Partnering with local influencers and letting them recommend your products or services to their following can be extremely effective for small businesses too. For example, a play school could reach out to mom bloggers to raise awareness or a gym could work with local fitness influencers in return for publicity.

Giveaways, brand ambassadors to discounts and collaborations, influencer marketing campaigns can take many different forms so it’s key to start with an end goal in mind. 

If you need help from a digital marketing strategist  don’t hesitate to contact me.