Cutting Edge Tips for the New Era of Digital Marketing -- Part III

Maximizing Digital Marketing
Techniques during COVID-19

by Kevin W. Brown, M.B.A.

{Note: This is the 3^rd article in a 3-part series}

In the last issue of this three-part article on "Cutting-Edge Techniques for The New Era of Digital Marketing," we focused on focus is on two critical strategic issues: establishing results-driven goals, and branding that differentiates your business.

In this issue, we apply key principles of Integrated Internet Marketing to websites, SEO/SEM, social media and e-communication.

Adapt or Perish

Those businesses who are the fastest and most flexible in adapting to digital marketing trends will have an advantage over competitors, establishing marketing leadership that others will try to follow.

Websites are still fundamental!

More than likely, your website is still the cornerstone of your online marketing methods. So, do not ignore the importance of having a modern-looking website with current content.

You might have suspected that your website needs work. You will want to carefully evaluate this aspect of your business, taking into consideration the website's look and ease of use; integration of social media; whether it works on different platforms, including mobile devices; and whether it incorporates your business's branding positioned for your target market. All too often, a website is developed as a stand-alone project by one vendor without integrating planning for interaction with other digital marketing techniques – avoid this mistake!

SEO and SEM

Depending on their market, many firms have experienced significant results by implementing Search Engine Marketing (SEM). SEM is the process of gaining website traffic from enhanced visibility on search engines by purchasing ads. SEM primarily involves buying pay-per-click (PPC) ads that display on a search engine results page.

However, before jumping on the SEM bandwagon, take the time to evaluate whether your targeted market will likely respond. Of course, evaluate the potential cost/benefit. If you embark on an SEM campaign, select specific metrics to monitor its performance.

If you are trying to obtain new clients through your website but do not feel that SEM will be beneficial, consider implementing an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) program. SEO is aimed at increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results. Also, be sure to ask what is your expected return on investment (ROI)? For example, just because your business ranks highly for specific key word phrases does not mean you will obtain new clients.

As with other marketing tools, identify your goals up front: Why are you doing it? Apply the process of Integrated Internet Marketing to help determine how SEO or SEM will meet your needs.

Social media

According to several consumer and industry surveys, social media usage continues to increase in numerous ways across most platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, blogs and LinkedIn. You can utilize social media to build your brand and connect more effectively with your audience.

Whether or not you are currently active in social media, take the time to evaluate which platforms are most effective in reaching your target market. Then, develop a comprehensive campaign to consistently reach your audience. Your messaging should build brand awareness and positive perceptions of your business, so be aware of how the content might be perceived by all demographics in your client base and business contacts. Remember that social media is strongly influenced by frequency and interactivity, so make the commitment to maintain an active campaign, while developing creative and useful methods for interaction.

E-communication campaigns

E-communication campaigns come in many forms, including announcements, newsletters, e-blasts, blogs, and posts. Consider developing an annual calendar of topics – this proactive approach will help you to distribute your e-communication on a consistent basis (vs. the one-and-done newsletter). Your goal should be to make the content useful, interesting, and compelling.

High quality content (that is relevant to your target audience's needs) will attract a loyal audience, help retain current clients, improve your branding and enhance your reputation, and will help to drive new clients to your practice. Clear and compelling communication are key elements of Integrated Internet Marketing.

Make your next move profitable!

If your business is interested in implementing digital marketing, contact the experts at Exemplar Digital Marketing.

Cutting Edge Tips for the New Era of Digital Marketing

Part II: Profit-Driven Goals
and Exceptional Branding

by Kevin W. Brown, M.B.A.

{Note: This is the 2^nd article in a 3-part series}

In the last issue of this three-part article on "Cutting-Edge Techniques for The New Era of Digital Marketing," we delved into the critical role of "Integrated Internet Marketing." This is a better method to increase the effectiveness of your online marketing activities, increasing productivity and reducing costs.

In this issue, our focus is on two critical strategic issues: establishing results-driven goals, and branding that differentiates your business.

Profit-Driven Goals
Can you afford to waste time and money in your digital marketing efforts? Far from it, your business is likely looking at ways to control costs during the pandemic. So why invest in futile marketing efforts?

Yet far too many businesses jump into digital marketing without a clear vision or understanding of what they want to achieve and how they are going to accomplish it. For example, buying into a year-long pay-per-click contract, with the hopes of it translating into new customers, is lacking in strategy in many respects (e.g., does your target market seek your services on the internet? Is the quality level of customers up to your standards? Do you have an effective in-house team to follow-up and close leads on a timely basis?). This can translate into many thousands of wasted dollars.

There is truth in the statement "Failing to plan is planning to fail." Take the time upfront to work with your marketing professional to develop clear and measurable goals. As a baseline, most businesses want their online presence to support their credibility, acting as a reference point when others verify their capabilities. Another key goal is likely to maintain regular communication with customers, referral sources, and other business contacts. You may also want your online efforts to act as an easy resource for customers, such as a customer portal (for document submission and retrieval, as well as payments), and to learn more about key topics through your information center. If your goals include business development, you will want to build your database of contacts (referral sources, prospects), as well as generate leads that result in new customers.

Overall, the broader your goals, the more work it requires to make your complete marketing program effective. Your planning will need to be comprehensive and integrated.

Exceptional Branding
Branding is essential for effective marketing in all applications, including digital marketing. Your branding helps to position and package your business in a manner that makes it distinctive in the marketplace.

Many businesses face the issue of whether they should "rebrand." Rebranding is a marketing strategy in which a new name, term, symbol, design, or combination is created for an established brand. The reasons for rebranding range from "We need a fresh look" to "Our business has changed and evolved" to "Our market has changed and we need to change with it" and more.

Not all rebranding is an extensive overhaul of marketing communication. However, if your business has existed for more than ten years and has not revisited branding, it may need the full renovation.

Case study: A recent client engagement is a common example. In this case, the client needed rebranding in all respects, so we used Integrated Internet Marketing to maximize the results. Graphically, the business's logo and marketing materials were out-of-date. Further, the business's website was old, making maintenance difficult and giving an impression that the business's services were dated as well. Overall, the business's marketing content was inconsistent and lacked persuasive selling points.

A new logo was designed, reflecting the business's culture and position in its targeted markets. All existing marketing materials (stationery, e-signatures, etc.) were redesigned. Importantly, significant analysis was done on the business and its targeted markets, resulting in new written copy for all marketing, including a new slogan, updated selling points, and overall consistency in marketing messages. With the excitement and opportunities presented by rebranding, the business requested an update e-communication campaign. A new website was designed that distinguished the business's unique position in the marketplace.

Every aspect of the business's marketing was rebranded, which led to management and employee pride in the business, customers loyalty, and leads to new customers that were drawn by the rebranding. This example should be helpful for you to determine whether your business is a candidate for rebranding.

Don't miss the next issue!
Now that your "big picture" strategies are established, in the next issue, we will discuss specific digital marketing methods to help your business survive and thrive in the competitive online arena. If your business is interested in implementing digital marketing, contact us.