10 Essential Digital Marketing Strategies for your New Business
In the last few weeks I’ve realised just how much I actually know about marketing for start ups and small businesses. And that’s a LOT, because, not only have I started up a handful of my own small businesses over the years, I’ve also been on the frontline for other, some highly successful, start-ups. When I finally took everything I know and love about life and where I see myself slotting into it I started Wild Kat Yoga and invested my time in building resources to help people feel better and live better.
I quit my job in late 2019 and, even in the thick of a global pandemic, it’s been the best decision I’ve made to date!
So, after more than ten years working behind multiple small business start-ups, including my own, here’s what I’ve learned are some essential digital marketing tools for all new businesses.
Before we dive in I want to let you know that this blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through some of the links I provide I can earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Let’s get into it…
10 Essential Digital Marketing Strategies for your Business
A Website
It seems crazy that I have to even write this, but I must because, believe it or not, there are STILL businesses out there who don’t have a website. A website means you looks professional, it lets people know you are serious and trustworthy. Not to mention this is the ideal location to showcase your work; where the whole world can see it quickly and easily! Not sure where to start? My website is built using Squarespace and it’s been, for me, a quick and easy process to get things up and running smoothly.
2. A collection of on-brand images
Your business is only as good as it looks. We live in a visual world, and now a very virtual one, so it’s more important than ever that you have access to high quality, relevant images that you can use to market yourself and your services. I like to take my own photographs, and if I don’t have have what I need I usually find something on free stock images websites like UnSplash or PixaBay. If you have a bigger budget I suggest buying your images from Shutterstock.
3. A Social Media Presence
Social media can seem like an intimidating space to operate and be seen in, but if you want to make your business a success then you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable! Over 80% of my business’ income comes from Instagram and Facebook.
**Top tips for your social media accounts: 1. Put your face on your account - people want to see who you are, so they know they are dealing with a person not just a machine. 2. Post regularly - posting every day or every second day keeps people engaged with your content and keeps you at the top of social feeds. 3. Make it relevant, inspiring or useful - one of the biggest mistakes I see on small business social media accounts is blatant self promotion of products or services. Instead, ask yourself what kind of people you are looking to attract and what relevant and helpful information can you offer them to get them engaged with your content and your business. And finally, 4. Make use of geotags - this is my number one tip for organic growth on social media. I, and so many other people, are scanning geotags looking for places they want to go, things to see in that area, what the weather is like and so much more. Make sure that all of your tweets, posts and stories are geotagged for maximum exposure.
4. Start a Blog
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again; having a blog and sharing on your blog at least once a week is the number one way to drive website traffic and ultimately, more sales. If you don’t care for writing blog posts, or you’re not a particularly eloquent writer then pop over to Fiverr and find someone who does. When your website is constantly being updated and worked on Google ranks your content higher, which means you get to the top of search engines faster (more on this in number 4).
5. Take time to understand SEO basics
Good digital marketing strategies are founded on excellent SEO and the last thing you want to do (which is what I did!) is create content for years and years only to look back at it and realise none of it is actually being displayed by google or, ultimately, seen by potential customers. Make sure all your website pages (including blog pages) have set keywords and key phrases in the url, titles, meta-description, content and image titles. That’s a good place to start, and if you want to seriously up your SEO game hire someone to look over your content and optimise it to the max! Again, you can use Fiverr - you can find literally anything on Fiverr!
6. Join Groups
Business is all about building relationships, so a key part of your marketing strategy should be to find and join like-minded folks, for example, you can join Pinterest groups and Facebook groups or events in your area of expertise. Remember that you’re joining groups first and foremost as a contributor, so think about what you can bring to the table, and then be sure to support, uplift and encourage others too. We’re all in this together!
7. Get yourself on Pinterest
I wrote a whole blog post about Pinterest marketing and how, if used effectively, it can be a game changer for your business. If you’re not someone who loves creating pins and you have no interest in researching and pinning at high-traffic times then you have to get Tailwind, who will do this all for you. Tailwind is one of my greatest marketing weapons; it takes the time and work out of marketing so I can focus on running my business.
Another thing I love about Tailwind is Tailwind Tribes, which is essentially another great way to join a group that will share your content to their audience.
Don’t take my word for it though, you can get started today with a free trial that lets you schedule up to 100 posts and make use of Tailwind Tribes.
9. Start building a mailing list
When you create a mailing list you create a place where you can communicate directly with people who dig what you do easily, whenever you want to. Your mailing list is 100% owned by you, it is full of engaged customers who chose to opt-in to your marketing and it boosts the value of your business. I like and use MailChimp which is free for up to 1,000 subscribers.
10. Use automated emails & sales funnels
Once you have got your mailing list up and running do yourself a favour and set up a sales funnel using email automation. This means that when a new subscriber signs up to your mailing list they will be added to a funnel of emails that could look a little like this handy chart below. This is a seamless way to keep email engagement up and share your business products and services with people who are interested in learning more, whilst you sleep!
MORE BUSINESS & MARKETING TIPS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
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