Build an Effective Online Marketing Strategy in 4 Steps

2017-03-30 10:00:00 | Khylie Gardner | marketing strategy

For many of us, creating an effective online marketing strategy can be a daunting task. It can often feel like you’re throwing ideas out into the universe and failing to gain traction. But it doesn’t need to be this way! If you follow these four easy steps, you’ll be on track to create an incredible online marketing strategy in no time.

Follow These 4 Steps to Build An Effective Online Marketing Strategy

Create SMART Goals

We love the SMART structure for setting marketing goals. A SMART goal will help newbie marketers and small business owners to really focus their efforts and create effective online marketing campaigns that generate leads and convert consumers. When you’re thinking about your online marketing goals, set objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timed – and you’ll be on your way to success in no time flat!

Find Your Audience

Ah, yes. Easier said than done, we know. If you’re struggling to find out where your audience lives, it’s nearly impossible to craft an effective online marketing strategy. If you’re using a buyer persona (and you should be), use your ideas about your customers’ habits to understand how your ideal audience might be using the internet. When in doubt, you should never underestimate the power of a good old fashioned survey to get answers to your questions. If you have a brick and mortar shop, talk to your customers to find out where they spend their time online. You can also use Google Forms to collect data that can fuel your online marketing.

Get Set Up on the Right Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool to have in your kit. When you’re crafting an effective online marketing strategy, it’s important to think about optimizing your social presence. The easiest place to start: assessing whether or not you need that Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, or Google+ account. Are your customers using these platforms? Does it make sense for your brand to be using them? For example, an orthodontist might be able to successfully reach their audience using Facebook, Instagram, or even Snapchat – but they probably don’t need to have a Twitter. Not only will paring down your social media free up some of your time – it will also allow you to focus on what’s working, and ditch what isn’t.

Optimize Your Content

Once you’re using the right social media and targeting the right people, the next step in creating an effective online marketing strategy is to start optimizing your results. What exactly does that mean? It means taking all of your owned media (your blog, your website, your Facebook account) and cashing in on its potential to work for you. If you aren’t already, start engaging in SEO tactics to get more eyes on your content. Although SEO can be intimidating, it’s a great tool for pushing consumers through the buyer’s journey and converting them into loyal customers. Check out our recent blog post on the SEO Myths you absolutely must avoid to get started with SEO today.

For the uninitiated, creating an effective online marketing plan can feel a little bit overwhelming. We are confident that using our tips will help you get started off on the right foot.