Here’s a true story. I’ll bet you can relate:
It was 5:00 in the afternoon. I didn’t realize that it was already 5 pm because I’d been sitting at home, binge watching The Office (yes, Netflix, I want to keep watching … and I don’t appreciate that judgmental tone!).
My kids “reminded” me that it was dinner time.
Because I needed to know whether Jim and Pam were going to get together this time, I’d forgotten to thaw the ingredients to make dinner. Guess who was going to be eating out?
I began looking online for something to order.
“Tacos ALWAYS sound good — let me look online to see what’s open today.”
“I saw a post today by a new place that sells these delicious-looking brisket tacos.”
“Do they deliver? Or can I pick up curbside? I’d rather pay online so that I don’t have to go in.”
Thirty minutes later, we were eating our dinner after I had searched for, ordered, and paid for all of it online.
We found what we needed with a few clicks, supported a local establishment, and got to eat tacos. Win win win!
So… why does YOUR business need digital marketing?
As we all know, small businesses had an especially challenging year. 2020 came running in like a 800-pound gorilla to our Red Rover game of life, and a strong digital presence became a huge factor in who got knocked down and who was left standing. Though it had been trending this way for years, business was pushed headlong into the digital world, and that change is here to stay.
Having a strong online presence has never been more important—and the demand is only going to continue to grow. A whopping 62% of consumers in the U.S. say that they shop online more now than before COVID hit. A digital strategy is no longer just optional — it is vital to the success of a business. Moreover, connecting with consumer-driven trends can drive unprecedented growth.
In this digital world, we saw that customers had to be able to find you if they were going to give you their business. Having online payment options, updated websites, integrated apps, and a strong social media presence were major factors in attracting consumers. Anything to make the process of ordering and communication easier was a huge plus that set you above competitors.
Many businesses became familiar with Google My Business for adding last-minute changes about their hours, delivery, and pick up options. Only having information on a website is no longer sufficient — a business needs comprehensive online coverage, advises SEO expert and Digital Marketing Manager David Caffey. You’re losing customers if your information is not widely and easily accessible.
Digital Marketing: Your Business Needs It!
Through all the hardship that we’ve experienced over the past year, communities want to support small, local businesses. A bright spot this year for my family has been finding new restaurants and small shops to give our patronage. There are many customers just like us, wanting to know about and support you.
But in these times, every marketing dollar spent needs to pack a punch. In a recent article on CMS Wire, CMOs shared their most valuable takeaways from marketing during the pandemic.
The consensus? Up your digital marketing game.
Sharon van Donkelaar, CMO of Expandi, says “This year, more so than in years before, marketing online has been more important.” Consumers have increased their time online during the pandemic, and brands have a tremendous opportunity to connect while people are browsing. Ruben says, “I agree.”
A Future Success Story:
If you’ve gotten this far and still wonder whether your business needs digital marketing, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you looking for ways to keep your business a relevant and viable competitor in this digital market?
- Do you want to maximize your efforts to reach new consumers and cultivate existing relationships with personal connections?
- Are you looking for qualified, effective, locally-based professionals that can help your brand become recognized in your community?
- Do you need tacos? Just kidding about that one. But really, who doesn’t need tacos?
In 2020, we learned that a digital marketing presence is something that we all need. Like tacos. We don’t do tacos, but we can help customers know where to find them.
If you answered yes to any of those questions above, your business needs digital marketing and 8 Signal can help! If you want to learn more, schedule a free, 30 minute discovery call on our website. Our team will take the guesswork out of developing your online presence so that you can start seeing growth and results!
