Technology has completely revolutionized the marketing industry. Just three decades ago, most marketers relied on traditional marketing like billboards and print ads for marketing. But today things have completely changed. The internet has taken over and the marketing industry has gone digital. A recent report revealed that 93% of people research online before making a purchase. Digital marketing popularity has increased tremendously over the years because it is more effective than traditional forms of marketing. It is also cost-effective, targeted, and measurable. So what is digital marketing and why do you need it? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about digital marketing.
What is digital marketing?
Digital marketing is simply any form of marketing that uses electronic devices to convey promotional messages to current and prospective customers. Digital marketing is a huge umbrella that covers several areas, including social media, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), websites, email, mobile apps, text messaging, pay-per-click, and much more. Any form of a marketing campaign that utilizes online media channels is referred to as digital marketing.
How does digital marketing differ from traditional marketing?
The difference between these two forms of marketing is simple: digital marketing uses online channels like social media and email while traditional marketing uses offline channels like print ads, billboards, and mailers.
Why is digital marketing important?
Today, most people have switched to digital marketing because it enables them to reach out to a wide audience at a cheaper cost. Additionally, digital marketing is also more effective in converting prospects to loyal customers because it offers a higher level of interaction and engagement. Below are reasons why digital marketing is important
· Targeted marketing
Perhaps the greatest benefit of digital marketing is targeted marketing. Unlike traditional marketing which reaches out to everyone, including those who are not interested in your products/services, digital marketing allows you to channel your marketing efforts only to people who are interested in your products or services. This is important because it minimizes waste by allowing efficient use of resources. Digital marketing allows you to channel your effort and resources to prospects who are likely to make a purchase.
Most digital marketing platforms such as social media have features that allow marketers to identify and send personalized high converting messages. For example, if you market your products or service on Facebook, you will have access to a wide array of features that allow you to choose the age, location, gender, behaviors, networks, and interest of your target audience.
Some types of digital marketing like SEO only show ads to
users who have shown interest in your services or product by searching keywords
that are related to what your business offers. The most effective way to
attract and convert prospects to customers is through targeted marketing and
that is what digital marketing does.
If you want to spend less and get more when marketing your business, then digital marketing is the best option for you. Digital marketing will enable you to reach out to a wider audience at a cheaper cost. More so, digital allows you to track your campaign and increase or decrease the money spent on a certain channel based on the result delivered. However, that is not the case with traditional marketing. It does not matter how many people view your ad in the newspaper or magazine, the cost will still be the same.
Digital marking also gives you total control over where to spend your money. For instance, instead of spending money on Google ads, you can choose to invest in Facebook ads. The fact that you will be able to monitor your marketing campaign in real-time means you will not waste your hard-earned money on channels that don’t bring value.
· It is measurable
Another benefit of digital marketing is that it is measurable. Once you launch your marketing campaign, you will have access to all metrics that are important for your business.
Some of the metrics you will have access to include clicks, views, impressions, time on page, and shares. Unlike traditional marketing which relies on estimations, digital marketing provides accurate results in real-time. Having access to accurate data in real time is important because it will enable you to make informed decisions that will help you get the best from your marketing campaign.
· It allows better engagement
Digital marketing allows better engagement and interaction with your target audience. Studies have shown that customers are more likely to buy from a shop if they identify with it. One of the best ways to connect with your target audience is through close interaction and that is exactly what digital marketing does. For example, if you market your business on social media platforms like Facebook, you can interact with your audience in real-time in the comment section. Digital marketing allows people to make a connection with your business.
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