Customer expectations have changed and almost everyone has access to and regularly uses the Internet on a mobile phone. Most of us, when we hear of a business for the first time immediately look for a website or social media profile where we can find out more information. We don’t call into the store, or phone the company, instead we look it up and if you cannot find any evidence of the company online, chances are you will try somewhere that has a social presence.

Everywhere you look today people are increasingly preoccupied with technology. Every business needs an online strategy to thrive today. But, unfortunately, many small business owners don’t have one. Here’s 10 reasons why you should invest in digital marketing.

Digital Marketing Levels The Marketing Playing Field
Digital Marketing provides small and medium businesses the chance to compete and attract their share of targeted audiences. Small companies now have the resources to perform sales and marketing processes that were previously available to only large companies.

Cost Effective
Digital Marketing is more cost effective than traditional marketing. This is important for small businesses because they don’t have many resources or capital. New media can provide you with a cheaper and more effective advertising channel.

Digital Marketing Delivers Conversions
Digital marketing allows you to measure success by the percentage rate of incoming traffic getting converted into leads, subscribers or sales.

It’s More Convenient for your Customers
Yes, there are a lot of us that still like to talk in-person, visit a store, etc. but let’s face it- most people want things to be as easy and convenient as possible. By having a solid digital and social presence you make things easier for your customers.

Digital Marketing Builds Brand Reputation and Trust
Digital and social media makes it easier to share information, connect and engage with your audience. This helps develop a better relationship with them. Plenty of marketing research shows that people trust information about a particular brand, product or service if the data comes from people they know or from socially active businesses.

Because Digital Marketing Helps Generate Better Revenue
Companies using Digital Marketing strategies have better revenue growth expectancy. Small and medium enterprises using Digital Marketing techniques will have better chances of expanding their workforce and business.

Digital Marketing Caters to the Mobile Consumer
Most adults in the United States carry their mobile devices with them. Mobile phones are more than alternatives to laptops and personal computers. They have evolved into something that influences purchasing decisions with real-time information.

Digital Marketing Makes You Ready For The Internet of Things
The “Internet of Things” means inclusion in interconnected devices – tablets, smartphones, gadgets, appliances and more that can interact with each other on the internet. As technology continues to rapidly grow and adapt, having a strong digital presence will make your business more ready to compete and be visible to customers regardless of where they are online.

Higher ROI for marketing spend
The more exposure and engagement you can gain for your brand, the more leads you will generate. The more data you can extract from your outreach campaigns, the higher your ROI will be.

Know What Works and Repeat
Most businesses have already traded traditional advertising methods and are focusing on Google Adwords, SEO, Social Media or SMS. With so many competitors out there it is very difficult to market your small business and get ahead of the pack. Monitor what is working for you, what your current and potential customers are engaging with. Once you know what’s working for you, repeat.

by: Dymond McCoy, Marketing Specialist

Empowering Brands Staff