“Advertising brings in the customers, but it is your job to keep them buying from you.”
— Chet Holmes
Starting a new business is no small feat, and I know just how overwhelming it can be. One minute you’re figuring out your product line, and the next, you’re knee-deep in accounting spreadsheets.
But one aspect of modern business that’s crucial and often mystifying is digital marketing.
I’ve been where you are, trying to make sense of SEO, social media strategies, and all those other marketing stuff.
In this blog, I’ll share some insight on how to get your business noticed online without feeling like you need a degree in computer science. Let’s start!
Why Digital Marketing?
First off, why should you even care about digital marketing? Simply put, it’s where your customers are. People spend hours every day browsing the web, checking social media, and searching for products and services online.
If you’re not there, you’re completely missing a huge opportunity.
Start with Your Website
A website is where you start your online presence. Yes, you could start with any social media platform but a business is often considered ‘legit’ with a professional website. Just like a physical store, it needs to be welcoming and easy to navigate. Here are a few things to focus on:
User Experience (UX)
Make sure your site is easy to use and explore. Visitors should find what they’re looking for without any hassle. Think clean design, clear menus, and quick load times.
Mobile Optimization
A lot of your potential customers will be browsing on their phones. Ensure your site looks good and functions well on mobile devices.
Call to Action (CTA)
Make it clear what you want visitors to do — whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting you. Strong, visible CTAs can guide their journey.
SEO
Search Engine Optimization might sound intimidating, but it’s one of the great methods to make your website more visible on search engines. When someone searches for something related to your business, you want to be on that first page of results. Here are the important parts of SEO:
Keywords
These are the terms people use when searching for products or services. Take a look at your product and think of what you would have typed on Google if you were looking for that online. That’s your brand’s keywords. Incorporate them into your website content, but don’t overdo it — natural language works best.
Content Quality
Regularly update your site with valuable content. This could be blog posts, FAQs, or detailed product descriptions. Quality content attracts visitors and keeps them coming back.
Backlinks
These are links from other websites to yours. They help build your site’s credibility and improve its ranking. Guest blogging and partnerships can help you earn this but you have to make sure you have a professional website.
Social Media
Most new businesses ignore and even fear social media platforms without realizing how much they need them. Are you among them? Do you fear social media? Don’t! It’s your direct line to customers where you build relationships and create a community around your brand. Here’s how to make it work for you:
Choose Your Platform
You don’t need to be everywhere. Focus on where your audience spends their time. For local businesses, Facebook and Instagram are often great choices.
Consistency
Post regularly. This doesn’t mean you have to churn out content daily, but a consistent schedule helps keep your audience engaged.
Authenticity
Be real. Share your story, share your success, and even your challenges. People connect with authenticity and it builds trust.
Engage
Social media is not just about posting. Respond to comments, engage in conversations, and show your followers that you value their input.
Email Marketing
Another one of the most effective ways to reach your customers. For detailed information on how to do this, you can sign up at Meriflo Business Academy where you have courses to help small and local businesses start with their digital marketing. What you have to do is:
Build Your List
Start collecting emails through your website, social media, and in-store if you have a physical location. Offer something valuable in return, like a discount or a free resource.
Personalize
Use the data you have to send personalized emails as they have higher open rates and engagement.
Value Over Promotion
Not every email should be a sales pitch. Share valuable content — tips, updates, or stories that resonate with your audience.
Final Words
Digital marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the basics, focus on what works for your business, and don’t be afraid to tweak and adjust as you go.
You’ve got this! And if you ever need more tips or a helping hand, I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.
Stay connected for more updates and exclusive content