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The times are changing rapidly, and the old ways of doing business are changing fast or disappearing completely. Your business must now have a formidable digital presence if you want it to survive and grow steadily.

However, with a vast variety of digital marketing strategies out there, you may easily get confused about which ones to use. To help you out, let us decode the best digital marketing strategies available at present so that you can easily decide which ones will work best for your company.

What is a digital marketing strategy?

A digital marketing strategy is a plan of action that outlines how a business will use various digital marketing channels, tools, and tactics to achieve its marketing objectives.

It involves leveraging the internet and digital technologies such as social media, email, search engines, and other online platforms to connect with target audiences, build brand awareness, generate leads, and drive conversions.

A successful digital marketing strategy typically involves identifying the target audience, understanding their needs and preferences, researching the competition, setting specific goals, and selecting the most effective channels and tactics to reach and engage with the audience. It also involves regularly monitoring and analyzing the performance of the strategy, adjusting tactics as needed, and optimizing for better results.

The ultimate goal of a digital marketing strategy is to drive business growth by attracting and retaining customers through various digital channels and touchpoints. A well-designed strategy can help businesses effectively communicate their brand message, establish credibility and trust, and ultimately drive conversions and revenue.

The steps for creating a strong digital marketing strategy

Creating a strong digital marketing strategy requires careful planning and execution. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Define your goals: Start by identifying what you want to achieve with your digital marketing efforts. Your goals could include increasing brand awareness, driving traffic to your website, generating leads, or boosting sales.
  2. Know your target audience: Understand who your ideal customer is and what their needs and pain points are. This will help you create targeted marketing messages that resonate with them.
  3. Conduct a competitive analysis: Look at what your competitors are doing and identify what works and what doesn’t. This will give you insights into what you should be doing differently.
  4. Choose your digital marketing channels: Based on your goals and target audience, select the channels that will work best for your business. This could include search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, or content marketing.
  5. Develop a content strategy: Create high-quality content that speaks to your audience’s needs and interests. This could include blog posts, videos, infographics, and social media posts.
  6. Implement and measure: Launch your campaigns and track their performance. Monitor key metrics like website traffic, conversion rates, and engagement to see what’s working and what needs to be improved.
  7. Adjust your strategy: Based on your results, make adjustments to your digital marketing strategy. This could involve tweaking your messaging, adjusting your budget, or trying new channels or tactics.

By following these steps, you can create a digital marketing strategy that drives results for your business.

The main Digital Marketing Channels

Now let us discuss all the digital marketing techniques that you can use to grow your business faster.

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a digital marketing strategy that focuses on increasing the visibility and ranking of a website or webpage in search engine results pages (SERPs). The higher a website or webpage ranks in SERPs, the more likely it is to receive clicks and organic traffic.

SEO involves optimizing the content, structure, and technical elements of a website to make it more attractive to search engines. This includes optimizing the website’s keywords, titles, descriptions, headings, images, and URLs. Additionally, SEO also involves building high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites to improve the website’s domain authority and page authority.

The goal of SEO is to achieve higher rankings in search engine result pages for relevant keywords and phrases, increasing organic traffic to a website. Higher rankings can also improve the credibility and authority of a website, leading to increased brand awareness and customer trust.

  • Keyword research involves identifying the keywords and phrases that potential customers are using to search for products or services related to a business.
  • On-page optimization involves optimizing the website’s content, including titles, meta descriptions, and page copy, to include the identified keywords and phrases.
  • Off-page optimization involves building backlinks from high-quality websites to increase a website’s authority and improve its ranking in SERPs.
  • Technical SEO involves optimizing the website’s structure and code to improve its performance and ensure that it is easy for search engines to crawl and index.

An effective SEO strategy requires ongoing analysis and adjustment. By monitoring website traffic, keyword rankings, and user behavior, businesses can continually refine their SEO strategy to improve their search engine visibility and drive more organic traffic to their website.

One real-life example of a successful SEO campaign is when TOMS, the shoe company, launched its One for One program, it leveraged SEO to increase its visibility in search engines. The company optimized its website for keywords related to its new product line and created high-quality backlinks to the website through guest blogging on relevant industry websites. As a result, the company’s organic search traffic increased by 300%, leading to a 40% increase in sales.

Another example of the power of SEO is the success of Dollar Shave Club, a subscription-based razor delivery service. By optimizing the website for relevant keywords and building high-quality backlinks through guest blogging, the company was able to rank on the first page of Google for multiple keywords. As a result, the company’s website traffic increased by 5,000%, and it gained over 12,000 new subscribers in just two days.

In conclusion, SEO is a critical part of any digital marketing strategy. By optimizing the website’s content and structure and building high-quality backlinks, businesses can increase their visibility in search engine results pages and drive organic traffic to their website. These tactics can help companies to improve their online presence and ultimately drive growth.

2. Content Marketing

Content marketing is a digital marketing strategy that involves creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience and drive profitable customer action. Content marketing is not about directly promoting a product or service but rather about providing information and insights that can help customers solve problems or address their needs.

There are several types of content that businesses can use for content marketing, including blog posts, infographics, videos, podcasts, case studies, e-books, and whitepapers. The type of content a business uses depends on its target audience, marketing objectives, and the channels it uses to distribute the content.

The goal of content marketing is to build trust and credibility with customers by providing them with high-quality content that addresses their needs and interests. By building a relationship with customers through content marketing, businesses can create a loyal customer base that is more likely to purchase products or services.

For example, when HubSpot, a marketing software company, launched its blog, it focused on creating high-quality content that addressed the needs and interests of its target audience. The company created blog posts on a wide range of topics related to marketing, sales, and customer service, and shared them on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. As a result, the company was able to build a large following of loyal customers who saw HubSpot as a trusted source of information and insights.

Another example of the power of content marketing is the success of Red Bull, an energy drink company. Red Bull created a series of extreme sports videos and shared them on social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. The videos were widely shared and viewed by millions of people, helping Red Bull build a strong brand identity and a loyal following of customers who associated the brand with extreme sports and adventure.

In conclusion, content marketing is a powerful digital marketing strategy that can help businesses build trust and credibility with customers, create a loyal customer base, and drive profitable customer action. By creating high-quality content that addresses the needs and interests of their target audience, businesses can establish themselves as thought leaders in their industry and differentiate themselves from competitors.

3. Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising is an effective way to drive traffic to a website and promote products and services to a targeted audience. Pay-per-click (PPC) ads include search ads, social media ads, display ads, native advertising, shopping ads, etc.

  • PPC advertising involves placing ads on search engines like Google and Bing. Advertisers bid on specific keywords related to their products and services, and their ads are displayed when users search for those keywords. Advertisers only pay when someone clicks on their ad, making it a cost-effective way to drive targeted traffic to a website.

    For example, when meal kit delivery service Blue Apron launched its online advertising campaign, it targeted specific keywords related to meal delivery services. The company used Google AdWords to place ads on search engines, and when users searched for those keywords, Blue Apron’s ads were displayed at the top of the search results. The company’s online advertising campaign was a success, leading to a significant increase in website traffic and sales.
  • Social media advertising involves placing ads on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Advertisers can target specific demographics and interests, making it an effective way to reach a targeted audience.

    For example, when fashion retailer H&M launched its Instagram advertising campaign, it targeted users who had previously engaged with their brand on social media. The company used eye-catching visuals and compelling calls to action to encourage users to visit its website and make a purchase. The campaign was a success, leading to a significant increase in website traffic and sales.
  • Display advertising involves placing banner ads on websites that are relevant to a business’s products and services. Advertisers can target specific demographics and interests, making it an effective way to reach a targeted audience.
  • Native advertising involves creating ads that blend seamlessly into the content of a website or platform. Native ads are less intrusive than traditional banner ads, making them more appealing to users.
  • Shopping ads, also known as product listing ads (PLAs), appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs) and feature product images, prices, and store information. These ads are highly visual and provide a convenient way for users to compare prices and products without having to click through multiple websites.
  • Shopping ads can be a cost-effective way for businesses to promote their products and drive traffic to their websites, particularly for e-commerce businesses. By targeting specific keywords and demographics, businesses can ensure that their shopping ads are shown to a relevant audience, increasing the likelihood of conversions and sales.

In conclusion, paid advertising is a crucial part of any digital marketing strategy. By using PPC ads, social media ads, display ads, and native advertising, businesses can reach a targeted audience, drive website traffic, and promote their products and services. These tactics can help businesses achieve their objectives, reach their target audience, and ultimately drive growth.

4. Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms have revolutionized the way businesses communicate with their customers. Social media marketing is a critical part of any digital marketing strategy as it allows businesses to engage with their audience, build brand awareness, and drive website traffic.

There are several social media platforms available, each with its unique audience and content format. To create an effective social media marketing strategy, businesses must identify the social media platforms that are most relevant to their target audience and create content that resonates with them.

For example, when Blendtec, a blender manufacturer, launched its “Will it Blend?” campaign on YouTube, it became a viral sensation. The company created a series of videos demonstrating how their blender could blend almost anything, from iPhones to golf balls. The videos were widely shared on social media platforms, leading to a significant increase in brand awareness and sales.

Another example of the power of social media is the success of Wendy’s, a fast-food restaurant chain. Wendy’s used Twitter to engage with its audience, responding to customer complaints and questions in a witty manner. This approach helped the company build a loyal following and improve its online reputation, significantly increasing social media engagement and sales.

To create an effective social media marketing strategy, businesses must identify the social media platforms that are most relevant to their target audience and create content that resonates with them. They should also engage with their audience, respond to customer complaints and feedback, and monitor their social media presence to identify opportunities for improvement.

In conclusion, social media marketing is a crucial part of any digital marketing strategy. By identifying the social media platforms that are most relevant to their target audience and creating engaging content, businesses can build brand awareness, drive website traffic, and improve their online reputation. These tactics can help businesses achieve their objectives, reach their target audience, and ultimately drive growth.

5. Email Marketing

Email marketing is a powerful tool that businesses can use to communicate with their customers and promote their products and services. It is a cost-effective way to reach a targeted audience, build brand awareness, and drive website traffic.

To create an effective email marketing campaign, businesses must have a strong email list, engaging content, and a clear call to action.

One real-life example of an effective email marketing campaign is from the online retailer, Birchbox. Birchbox sends personalized email campaigns to its customers based on their preferences and purchase history. The emails feature engaging content, such as how-to guides and tutorials, and include a clear call to action encouraging customers to purchase products from their website. The company’s email campaigns have been a success, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.

Another example is from the outdoor gear retailer, REI. REI uses email marketing to promote its events, product launches, and promotions. The emails are visually appealing and include engaging content, such as photos and videos of their products. The emails also encourage customers to share their experiences with the brand on social media, helping to build brand awareness and loyalty.

To create an effective email marketing campaign, businesses must segment their email lists and personalize their content. They should also use engaging visuals and clear calls to action to encourage customers to take action. By doing so, businesses can build brand awareness, drive website traffic, and ultimately increase sales and customer loyalty.

6. Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing is a type of digital marketing that involves partnering with individuals who have a large following on social media. The goal of influencer marketing is to leverage the influencer’s following to promote a business’s products or services.

To create an effective influencer marketing campaign, businesses must choose the right influencers, create compelling content, and track their results.

One example of an effective influencer marketing campaign is from the fitness apparel brand, Gymshark. Gymshark partnered with fitness influencers on Instagram to promote its products to a targeted audience. The influencers created content showcasing their Gymshark apparel, and the posts included a call to action encouraging followers to visit Gymshark’s website and make a purchase. The campaign was a success, leading to increased website traffic and sales.

Another example is from the food delivery service, HelloFresh. HelloFresh partnered with a popular food blogger to promote their meal delivery service to her followers. The blogger created content showcasing the meals she had received from HelloFresh, and the posts included a call to action encouraging followers to try HelloFresh for themselves. The campaign was a success, leading to increased brand awareness and sales.

To create an effective influencer marketing campaign, businesses must carefully choose the right influencers based on their target audience and goals. They should also work with influencers to create compelling content that showcases their products or services inauthentically and engagingly. By tracking their results, businesses can see the impact of their influencer marketing campaigns and make adjustments as needed.

7. Video Marketing

Video marketing is a popular form of digital marketing that involves creating and sharing video content to promote a business’s products or services. Video marketing can be used on a variety of platforms, including social media, email, and a business’s website.

To create an effective video marketing campaign, businesses must create high-quality video content that is engaging and relevant to their target audience.

One example of an effective video marketing campaign is from the beauty brand, Glossier. Glossier created a video showcasing its products and its philosophy on beauty. The video was engaging and authentic, featuring real customers and employees of the company. The video was shared on social media and received thousands of views and shares, helping to build brand awareness and drive sales.

Another example is from the travel brand, Airbnb. Airbnb created a video showcasing the unique properties available for rent on their platform. The video was visually stunning and showcased the variety of accommodations available through Airbnb. The video was shared on social media and received millions of views, helping to build brand awareness and increase bookings.

To create an effective video marketing campaign, businesses must create content that is engaging and relevant to their target audience. They should also use high-quality visuals and sound to make their videos visually appealing and engaging. By sharing their videos on social media and other platforms, businesses can reach a wider audience and build brand awareness.

8. Mobile Marketing

Mobile marketing involves promoting products and services to a targeted audience through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. As the number of mobile device users continues to grow, mobile marketing has become an essential part of any digital marketing strategy.

There are several mobile marketing tactics that businesses can use to reach their target audience:

a. Mobile-optimized websites

With the majority of internet searches now happening on mobile devices, it is essential for businesses to have mobile-optimized websites. These websites are designed to provide a seamless user experience on mobile devices, with easy navigation and fast load times.

b. SMS Marketing

SMS marketing involves sending promotional messages to a targeted audience via text messages. SMS marketing can be used to promote new products, offer exclusive discounts, or remind customers of upcoming events.

c. In-App Advertising

In-app advertising involves placing ads within mobile apps. Advertisers can target specific demographics and interests, making it an effective way to reach a targeted audience.

d. Mobile Apps

Mobile apps can be used to promote products and services, provide exclusive content, and improve customer engagement. Businesses can create their own mobile apps or partner with existing apps to reach their target audience.

For example, when Starbucks launched its mobile app, it allowed customers to place orders and make payments directly from their smartphones. The app also offered exclusive rewards and promotions, encouraging customers to visit Starbucks more frequently.

Another example is the success of Uber‘s in-app advertising campaign. Uber targeted users who were currently using the app to book a ride and displayed ads for its food delivery service, Uber Eats. This strategy helped UberEats to gain a significant market share and become one of the top food delivery services in the world.

How to measure the effectiveness of your digital marketing strategies

Measuring the effectiveness of your digital marketing strategies is crucial to ensure that you are achieving your desired goals and making the most of your marketing efforts. Here are some ways to measure the effectiveness of your digital marketing strategies:

  1. Define your KPIs: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are the metrics that you will use to measure the effectiveness of your digital marketing strategies. These can vary depending on your goals, but some common KPIs include website traffic, conversion rates, click-through rates (CTR), engagement rates, social media followers, and revenue.
  2. Use analytics tools: Analytics tools such as Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics can provide valuable insights into your website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates. These tools can help you understand how visitors find your website, which pages are performing well, and which pages need improvement.
  3. Track your social media metrics: Social media platforms provide built-in analytics tools that can help you track your follower growth, engagement rates, and reach. Use these tools to understand which types of content are resonating with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.
  4. Monitor your email marketing metrics: If you are using email marketing as part of your digital marketing strategy, you can track metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates to understand the effectiveness of your campaigns.
  5. Conduct surveys and customer feedback: Conducting surveys and gathering customer feedback can help you understand the impact of your digital marketing efforts on your target audience. This can provide insights into what your customers like and dislike about your marketing strategies and how you can improve them.
  6. Compare your results with industry benchmarks: It’s important to compare your KPIs with industry benchmarks to understand how your digital marketing efforts stack up against your competitors. This can help you identify areas for improvement and set realistic goals for future campaigns.

In conclusion, measuring the effectiveness of your digital marketing strategies is critical to understanding how well your marketing efforts are performing and how you can improve them. By defining your KPIs, using analytics tools, tracking social media metrics and email marketing metrics, gathering customer feedback, and comparing your results with industry benchmarks, you can gain valuable insights into the success of your digital marketing efforts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, digital marketing is a complex and constantly evolving field. By incorporating these digital marketing strategies into your marketing plan, you can create a strong online presence that drives traffic, conversions, and business growth. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest digital marketing trends and continually test and refine your marketing campaigns to achieve the best possible results.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important digital marketing strategy?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the most important digital marketing strategy will vary based on the goals and needs of each individual business. However, search engine optimization (SEO) and content marketing are generally considered to be the foundation of any successful digital marketing strategy.

How can I measure the success of my digital marketing campaigns?

The best way to measure the success of your digital marketing campaigns is to use web analytics tools like Google Analytics to track metrics like website traffic, conversions, and user behavior. You can also use A/B testing to compare the performance of different marketing campaigns and refine your strategies over time.

How do I choose which social media platforms to use for my business?

To choose which social media platforms to use for your business, start by identifying which platforms your target audience is most active on. Then, create content that is tailored to each platform and use social media analytics to track your results and make adjustments as needed.

How do I create a successful email marketing campaign?

To create a successful email marketing campaign, start by identifying your target audience and segmenting your email list based on their interests and behavior. Then, create engaging and personalized email content that encourages your audience to take action. Constantly test and refine your email content to achieve the best possible results.

How can I measure the success of my influencer marketing campaigns?

The best way to measure the success of your influencer marketing campaigns is to track metrics like engagement, reach, and conversions. You can also set clear goals and use unique tracking codes to measure the impact of your campaigns on your business growth.

What is A/B testing and how can it improve my digital marketing campaigns?

A/B testing involves testing two versions of a marketing campaign to determine which performs better. This can help you optimize your campaigns and achieve better results over time. By continually testing and refining your digital marketing strategies, you can create a strong online presence that drives traffic, conversions, and business growth.

In summary, the ultimate guide to digital marketing strategies covers a wide range of tactics and techniques that can help businesses of all sizes create a strong online presence and drive business growth.

By incorporating these strategies into your marketing plan, you can optimize your campaigns, reach your target audience, and achieve your business goals. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest digital marketing trends and continually test and refine your strategies to achieve the best possible results.

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