Digital marketing is a crucial part of any small business. Whether you're just starting or have been around for a while, it's important to show up online. In this blog post, we'll discuss why digital marketing is so important and why your small business needs it. We'll also go over the different types of digital marketing strategies that are available as well as the advantages offered by each strategy. You can choose from things like advertising on social media sites, website design and development, search engine optimization (SEO), and content creation - there's something for every business!


Why is Digital Marketing Important for Small Business?

According to Google, 63% of all shopping occasions begin online. That means that whether the customer ends up making the purchase in a physical store, or through an online marketplace - it started online.  

Whether you're a hairdresser, a lawyer, a doctor, or a carpenter - customers are researching options online before making their decision. Therefore, if you aren't online, you may never be considered by 63% of customers.

Think about that -  can your business afford to miss out on over half of its potential customers?

That's why digital marketing is so important for small businesses. Marketing strategies like search engine optimization(SEO), social media advertising, and website development are so important.

Digital Marketing is the foundational part of any business.

What are the Benefits of Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing means more customers.  

According to Hubspot, businesses that blog generate more than 13 times more ROI than those that don't. That's just blogging, from social media to search engine optimization, digital marketing helps small businesses get more customers and more revenue.

Through digital marketing strategies like SEO, business owners can show up on Google's first page of search results - this means they're more likely to be found by customers looking for the services you offer. Social media advertising is another way to build trust with your audience and act as a "digital billboard" to increase your reach.

Great digital marketing can also set you apart from your competition. Whether you're a new company competing against household names or you're looking to separate yourself from the locals, digital marketing can make a huge difference. It's why so many small businesses are able to compete with larger companies. After all, getting new customers is about making a customer know you, like you, and trust you.

At the end of the day, if you aren't building your digital marketing foundation, your competition can take your customers away in a heartbeat. (if they aren't already)

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing is the umbrella term for all your online marketing efforts. Digital marketing includes website development, social media ad campaigns, SEO - everything that brings people to your business's doorstep and helps you build trust with them so they're ready when it's time to make a purchase.

Small businesses can benefit from digital marketing because there are no barriers to entry. Anyone can create a website or social media account, and there are thousands of agencies offering affordable services that make it easier than ever for small businesses to get online.

Digital marketing strategies are all about visibility. Whether it's attracting new customers or gaining more trust with existing ones, digital marketing is what will get you noticed online. The goal of your digital marketing strategy should be to make people interested in learning more about why they would want to buy your product or service.

In summary, digital marketing can be anything from a blog post to a website, a social media ad to an email campaign. Digital marketing is the effort you put into building your online presence and getting customers to purchase from you.


Types of Digital Marketing

The foundation of digital marketing can be broken down into 5 different "pillars." These pillars include digital advertising, website design, search engine optimization, content creation, and online reputation. Each type of digital marketing will help you accomplish your business goals by getting more customers to buy from you or building trust with current ones.

Online Advertising

Social media ads allow you to get more fans and followers and increase your reach. They also help you gain trust with potential customers by allowing them to interact with what they see.  Search engine advertising is a great way for small businesses of all types to show up on top of search

Website Design  

A website is your online home. It's one of the first things potential customers will look at, so it has to be professional and helpful. For some businesses, a site can even become their main product or service as people perform more searches on mobile devices than ever before.

Search Engine Optimization

SEO helps small business websites rank higher on Google and other search engines, which means they're more likely to be found by people looking for the services you offer.

Content Creation

Content is a broad term but it's one of the most important aspects of digital marketing. Creating content can range from blog posts, videos, infographics or anything else that teaches your audience why they should purchase your product or service.

Online Reputation

A digital marketing strategy should never be done without first considering your online reputation. It's why small businesses need to pay attention to the reviews they receive online, as well as how people talk about them on social media and review sites like Yelp. People love to look at reviews so it's important to have a solid reputation that builds trust.

Small businesses can take advantage of digital marketing because it's accessible to anyone with a good idea and the ability to implement that into an online presence. Customers are looking for what they want instantly, which means if your business isn't visible through traditional advertising or social media campaigns, then customers will not find out about your business.

How to Choose the Right Strategy for Your Small Business  

There are several different types of digital marketing strategies you can use to get more customers. The type of strategy that will work best for your business depends on the size, budget, and what you're selling. It's why it's important to have an idea about each specific type of digital marketing before choosing one or combining them all together. You also may consider hiring a marketing consultant.

Your strategy also depends on how strong your current digital marketing foundation is.  If you already have a website, social media accounts, an email list of customers or visitors, or any other types of digital marketing efforts in place, then it's easier to know which strategy will work best for your business. You're simply building off of what you already have.

However, if this isn't the case and you're just starting out with no online presence at all then starting with a website, search engine optimization, and digital advertising can go a long way.

Small Business Mentor started because we realized it was difficult for business owners to find resources and the guidance they needed to get to the next level. We vet resources and agencies and connect them with small businesses so that you can spend more time running your business. If you're looking for marketing help, take our short quiz and we'll help you find your perfect fit.