Scott Cook once said, “a brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is—it is what consumers tell each other it is”. And nowhere else is this becoming more apparent than online where social platforms have made it easier for customers to engage with their favourite brands and in turn, publish and promote their (unfiltered) opinions. So, as Social Media continues to be an important and popular platform for individuals and businesses the question is, “how are you using these channels to leverage your business offering and achieve your goals?” With over 1.870 billion active users on Facebook, a billion on Whatsapp, 600 million on Instagram and 317 million users on Twitter it’s more apparent than ever, that if your company doesn’t have a digital strategy or presence, it’s seriously going to get left behind. Here are five reasons why your business needs a digital marketing strategy:
  1. Gain direction If you don’t have a clear set of goals for what it is you want to achieve online (i.e. new customers, deeper relationships with existing ones) then you won’t know which resources to put in place to reach your goal.
  2. Stay ahead of your competitors If you invest in dedicating time and resources to your digital marketing approach, you’ll have the upper hand. If you’re not doing this, your competitors will leave you in the dust, taking potential clients away from you. An ad-hoc, throwing caution to the wind approach leaves you too vulnerable in the social media world.
  3. A digital presence = more clients With a social page and a plan in place, you can reach more people. When consumers and potential clients can find, and engage with you online, they’re more likely to give you their business than those they can’t find online.
  4. Better understand your marketplace Having an online strategy can help your business understand how potential customers think and interact online. It also helps you build a customer profile and monitor their behaviour in terms of their likes, dislikes, gender, age, location, specific interests and what they’re searching for. Knowing this will help when you’re looking to grow other aspects of your business.
  5. Stand out from the crowd With a strategy and clear plan, you can start figuring out how to differentiate your business from the rest. Customers want relevant, unique content and experiences and if you can give it to them, you’ll build brand loyalty.
In this digital age, the way your brand presents itself online, is as important as the way you show up in person. As a branding and website development Studio our aim is to assist individuals achieve their business goals and make a great first impression. So, if you want to leave your mark online, give us a shout and let’s have a coffee and chat!