Online Marketing Advice From The Experts
There’s loads of tips and tricks on how to market your business online. We’ve taken the best advice from industry experts and put them into one handy, helpful list.
The internet is full of advice and hacks to get your business noticed online. From search engine optimization to social media marketing, it seems that you might need a stack of degrees to support a small business. But this simply is not true.
In reality, there are a handful of really important online marketing routes that truly matter, and the rest is just content. Some of what you read is helpful for sure, but to be really great at online marketing there are only a few basic rules you need to follow.
We’ve gathered all the advice you need from the experts, and from there you will be well equipped to make your own decisions regarding the best course of action for your online marketing campaigns:
The Customer Is Always Right
“You need to make your customers so happy that they will stay loyal — and ideally, spread the word about your business’ excellence.” – Marketing Land
This is your number one rule. Nobody wants to become an internet troll when it comes to business. Even if your customer is absolutely wrong, your audience will always agree with them. Leave the trolling to the anonymous hackers – businesses need to be accommodating, apologetic and appreciative. If you remember these three As then you are off to a good start.
Add Some Color To Your World
“Images and videos can help hold readers’ attention and help convey your message.” – Entrepreneur
This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at the number of website owners who don’t break up content with engaging media content such as videos and images. Don’t overdo it, but make sure that you are using enough color to keep eyes busy. Many readers won’t stay on a website if the page features an intimidating or offputting amount of content; they will click away in search of a page that is more engaging. Midphase’s easy-to-use website builder allows you to simply drag and drop your images into place without all the hassle of having to code.
Organic Search Is Important
“You must integrate organic search into your marketing strategy in a manner that connects it to all other business processes.” – Search Engine Land
Your customers need to be able to search for you through Google, Yahoo or another search engine of their choice. This means that you must make the search engines happy through search engine optimization. Now this in itself can be a big job, but by learning the basics with the help of Google Analytics you can get valuable insight into how your website performs, and then work your way up to be a SEO guru. Look for tools like Midphase’s Website SEO Guru when you need to lighten the load.
Use Social Media As A Tool To Engage
“Skimping out on social media engagement in your social media strategy can pose a huge threat to your company’s social media presence.” – HootSuite
In the beginning, many of us fall victim to the belief that we will “go viral” simply by being online. In reality, it’s not near as easy as you think. Instead of seeing social media as a place for your millions of fans to sing your praises, think of it as a conversational tool to help you engage with your customers. Social media can be tough in the beginning, but by changing your perspective you can set achievable goals.
Quality Content
“It’s becoming increasingly clear that customers are less interested in promotional content and more drawn to thought leadership quality content.” – Forbes
This means when creating content, any content, you need to focus on quality, not quantity. Remember that publishing is not a race, and if you can only post one really great article once a week or three mildly amusing posts a week, always pick one really great article. Work to answer the questions that readers are asking. Also, always speak in a way that all readers can understand; leave the jargon to the experts. For help getting started on a place to put your amazing content check out Midphase’s WordPress Hosting.
While this advice may seem simple, it can often be overlooked when creating online marketing campaigns. Sometimes we get so caught up in the sparkle and shine of the internet that we tend to forget the basics. Whether you are running a new startup or a multinational corporation, refreshing your original purpose in marketing can go a long way.