Digital Marketing Overview #
Digital marketing is the promotion of products or brands using digital technologies. This often means using the internet, but it also involves mobile devices, display advertising, and any other digital medium. Think of it like setting up a digital billboard on a bustling virtual highway – it’s all about reaching your audience where they spend most of their time: online.
For a creative entrepreneur, this might mean using Instagram to showcase your handmade jewelry, or writing a blog about the unique painting techniques you use, with links back to your online store.
Here’s an interesting article on Forbes about understanding digital marketing that explains it really well.
Examples of how creative entrepreneurs can use digital marketing #
Content Marketing #
Craft high-quality, relevant, and engaging content related to your business. This content could be blog posts, videos, podcasts, infographics, or eBooks. For example, if you run a photography business, you could create “how-to” blog posts on taking better photos, YouTube videos reviewing camera equipment, or an eBook on photography techniques.
Social Media Marketing #
Leverage various social media platforms (like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.) to share your content, engage with your audience, and promote your products or services. If you run a handmade jewelry business, for instance, Instagram is a great platform to showcase your pieces, and Pinterest can be used to share DIY jewelry crafting tips.
Email Marketing #
Build an email list and regularly send out newsletters or updates about your business. This is an excellent way to keep your audience engaged and informed about new products, services, or content. For example, a graphic designer might send monthly newsletters featuring their latest designs, special promotions, or useful design tips.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) #
Optimize your website and content to rank higher in search engine results. This will increase the visibility of your business. For instance, a digital artist could use SEO strategies to optimize their portfolio website, so it shows up when potential clients search for digital artists.
PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Advertising #
Use platforms like Google AdWords or Bing Ads to create targeted ad campaigns. This can help attract specific demographics or geographic regions to your business. For example, a local bakery might run a Google AdWords campaign to attract nearby customers searching for bakeries.
Influencer Marketing #
Partner with influencers in your industry to promote your product or service. This can help you reach a larger audience. A fashion entrepreneur, for instance, could partner with a fashion influencer to showcase their clothing line.
Affiliate Marketing #
Set up an affiliate program where others promote your product or service in exchange for a commission on any sales they generate. This is a great way to leverage the audiences of other people in your industry. For example, a software developer could set up an affiliate program for their new app, with bloggers or tech influencers promoting it.
Video Marketing #
Utilize platforms like YouTube or Vimeo to share video content related to your business. This can be a highly engaging way to demonstrate your product or service in action. For example, a digital painter could share speed-painting videos or tutorials.
Webinars or Online Workshops #
Hold live sessions to share valuable information, answer questions, and directly engage with your audience. For instance, a business coach might host a webinar on strategies for increasing productivity in small businesses.
Mobile Marketing #
Optimize your website for mobile use and consider developing an app for your business if relevant. This ensures that you reach the increasing number of consumers who use their mobile devices for online activities. For example, a restaurant might develop an app that allows customers to place orders directly from their phones.
In Conclusion… #
Remember, digital marketing is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different strategies will work better for different businesses, so it’s crucial to test different approaches, monitor the results, and adjust your strategies accordingly.
And finally, when implementing a digital marketing strategy, don’t try too many things at once. Pick the channels and methods that resonate with your personality as an entrepreneur and with your brand. Then go all in on those. It is much easier to get results by focusing on a few strategies intensely than by spreading your efforts around.
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