When small businesses get started, they often focus on how to get the first customers through the door and rely on traditional advertising, such as brochures, print ads, or even outdoor advertising. While this strategy may bring in a trickle of business, there’s a better and easier way. Small businesses should consider the global online marketplace and benefit from using a combination of traditional and digital marketing to leverage every avenue available.
Many small business owners turn to a digital marketing agency USA to tap into online strategies tailored for local and international reach.
After all, 76% of consumers look for a company online before visiting a store, while 45% are likely to visit after finding a strong online presence on a local search page, according to research by Visual Objects.
Every small business, no matter how new or established, should look at digital channels as a way to generate leads and convert interest into customers. This is where partnering with a digital marketing agency in united states can give businesses a competitive edge.
In this blog, we’ll look at 6 ways you can use online channels to promote and grow your business (along with 3 great examples from small brands for inspiration).
Conduct competitor research
For your business to be successful, you need to pay attention to what your competitors are doing and learn from it. Look at what your competitors are doing online and that will get some idea of what is and isn’t working.
Many small businesses rely on a digital marketing agency in usa to help analyze competitors and optimize their marketing strategies.
Conduct a competitor analysis and do your research with these types of questions in mind:
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What type of content do they use (e.g. a company blog, videos or visuals, custom landing pages, original research or user-generated content?)
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How do they communicate their brand and what makes them unique?
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How well do they engage with the audience and how (e.g. social media channels)?
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What platforms do they use?
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Do they have any brand advocates or influencer partnerships?
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Do they have a loyalty program and if so what does it offer?
Luckily, there are some great tools that can help in your research so it doesn’t become a drain on your time such as Semrush, Ahrefs, Moz, and BuzzSumo.
Leverage SEO
Whatever product or service a person looks for, they will most likely start their search with a search engine like Google. If you have an online presence but your competitors are easier to find as they rank higher in search, you still might not be found.
This is why working with a digital marketing agency USA that understands SEO and local search optimization is crucial.
Along with creating an optimized website, you need to understand the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to outrank your competitors.
Local SEO is especially important for a small business aiming to be visible in search results in specific regions. Tools like Google Business Profile help showcase your business on local searches and Google Maps.
Be proactive and reactive on social media
Social media is one of the most powerful digital platforms for a small business. The secret to success is picking the right platforms for your brand and audience.
Many companies seek guidance from a digital marketing agency in united states to develop tailored social media strategies that maximize engagement and visibility.
Social media should not only be about posting content about your business but also about sharing useful content and responding promptly to customer queries or complaints.
Target existing customers
An email marketing list, even if small, is vital for nurturing your audience. Segment your customers for personalized communication and grow your email list through discounts, referral programs, or newsletters.
A digital marketing agency in usa can help structure your email campaigns effectively and ensure compliance with data protection laws.
Reach out to influencers
Influencer marketing is a booming strategy, with marketers investing heavily in partnerships.
A digital marketing agency USA often assists small businesses in finding the right influencers to represent their brand authentically.
Focus your marketing budget
Advertising online is one of the most cost-effective ways to market a business, allowing precise audience targeting and budget control.
Small businesses often work with a digital marketing agency in united states to ensure their marketing budget delivers the best ROI.
Transform the marketing capabilities of your small business
Are you looking to develop a website that can generate leads or set up a social campaign to see results? The first step to achieving these goals is to understand digital marketing and how it can positively impact your business.
Partnering with a digital marketing agency in usa or taking a professional diploma course can teach you the most relevant skills, from SEO to PPC, content marketing, and AI-driven strategies.