There are three key elements of a successful digital marketing plan:
Web site – The majority of sales transactions begin online. This makes it critical that business owners have attractive, informational, and user-friendly web sites. Sites that draw repeat visitors and drive sales are content-rich, frequently updated, and have useful digital applications. Additionally, they include site links to other companies and organizations that can offer assistance to users.
SEO – Strong SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, makes business web sites stand apart from their competition. Most web searchers only click on the first page of search results and many don’t even scroll to the bottom of the page. Also, searchers are more likely to click on natural, or organic, search results rather than paid sponsorship links. SEO assists sites in achieving the top five to seven natural rankings in search engine results pages. Sites with targeted keywords used strategically throughout content, and a URL address with a relevant keyword included, are more likely to attain top natural rankings. Site popularity and rankings also increase when sites are linked to from other industry-related sites.
E-marketing plan – An e-marketing plan helps drive web site traffic and strengthen SEO. It typically focuses on the creation and execution of a regular e-newsletter to clients and prospects. E-newsletters are budget-friendly tools that can position business owners as industry experts in their local markets through timely and engaging content. They include links to various sections of the business’ site to increase traffic, and e-newsletter sign-up options on both the e-newsletter (“forward to a friend”) and site (“register for our e-newsletter!”) help build prospect lists. In addition, e-marketing plans should include integrated social media marketing and online lead generation solutions.
When well-developed, these three digital strategies work seamlessly to capture the attention of potential customers, expand business and market share, and build client loyalty. However, implementing and utilizing these techniques – on top of the demands of a hectic work load – can present a challenge. Even if you develop a media plan for traditional or digital marketing, you may need expertise to help kick-start these efforts from a marketing agency that knows the ins and outs of traditional and digital marketing.
