A lot of small online businesses struggling with marketing. Especially when they have a very limited budget. With the wide variety of marketing tools and techniques out there, it can be tough to decide which low-cost technique is the best for your online business.
The crucial point in marketing is to take some time to research trends and tips in your business niche. Also, you have to discover your customer needs and behaviors. Based on the information you gather you will be able to make a plan and develop a strategy for an effective and easy digital marketing for your online business
You can use many low-cost digital marketing campaigns for your online business. Like, word of mouth and referral marketing. They are almost free and some of the most powerful marketing strategies.
It’s important to remember that whatever you do to spread the word about your business, it has to touch your customers on an emotional level. It’s the secret of effective and easy digital marketing for businesses.
Some of the most successful companies in the world have achieved their best results when they’ve used this type of marketing. It’s because they managed to reach deep into people’s emotions.
Give your customers an outstanding brand experience and you’ll make them your ambassadors. Don’t forget people buy with emotions not logic!
1. Create an Effective and Useful Website
Regardless of the type of business you run, good online presence is a must. The modern lifestyle leads people to search for products and services online and make their purchasing decisions on the go.
Also, studies show that more than 70% of internet users do their shopping through mobile devices, so you need to make sure that your website is mobile-friendly. This way you will achieve higher rankings on search engines.
Another crucial point is the search engine optimization (SEO) of your website. SEO is one of the most powerful tools for a successful online marketing strategy. Taking your place on the first search engine results page will wipe out your competition in no time. It will improve your image and bring the customers to you.
Look at your website as a place where customers can find solutions for their needs. Provide as much helpful information as you can, and do it in a language that your customers will understand. Assure them that you are there to help, not sell.
First, gain their trust and build relationships, then you can make sales.
2. Use the Social Media
Social media can be your greatest asset if you know how to use it. With social media, you have the opportunity to know your customers and connect with them on an emotional level. With social media, your brand can easily become your customer’s trusted friend.
Videos, comics, and infographics are some of the most powerful social media tools. They are visually appealing, aren’t time-consuming, and allow for people to get the message at a quick glance. Find a way to incorporate them into your brand tone and entertain your customers.
People like and share this type of content, so it will drive up good referral traffic.
Real-time marketing is another powerful technique to grab your customers’ attention and go viral on social media. Choose an event that can be somehow related to your business and use it for promotion. Just be careful with this and make sure that you won’t insult anyone with your witty marketing move.
3. Be an Expert in Your Niche
If you want to convince people that you are a leader in your business niche, you need to demonstrate your expertise. The easiest way to do this is to start a blog and share your blog posts through social media. Use catchy headlines and write on trending topics related to your industry to show that you’re in the know.
You can also use an opportunity to be a guest speaker at an event or a class, or host your own event. This will boost both your personal credibility and your company’s credibility.
4. Listen to Your Customers
You can’t develop a real connection with your customers with one-way communication. Use every opportunity to listen to what your customers have to say. Encourage reviews on your website and comments on your social media profiles. This will eliminate the anxiety of the unknown for the prospective customers, and show your current customers that you really care.
Develop strong customer service. Try to provide customer service through every possible channel – live chat, Skype calls phone calls and emails. Ensure your customers that you are there at any time.
Don’t forget! Your customers are your business. Not you or your website!
5. Be Kind and Your Customers will Love You!
Treat your loyal customers as if they are your closest friends. Send them handwritten thank-you notes, seasonal greetings, birthday cards, and small surprise gifts. These small and kind gestures will make them your loyal and active ambassadors. You’ll have their families and friends as your customers in no time.
Show kindness to people who are not your customers, too. Give them the opportunity to experience your product or service and the chances are they will want to purchase it. You can also produce creative, branded items and use them as giveaways.