If you have an idea for a startup business, or if you already have a startup, then you’re already one step ahead of the game. Having a startup means you’re ready to get down to business and put in the work. And one of the best ways to ensure that your startup succeeds is by focusing on digital marketing.
Digital marketing for startups allows the business owner to reach a wider audience and understand the target customer. Building a startup comes with many challenges. This is why it’s essential that you stay on top of the latest technology and trends in the digital world if you plan to have a successful startup.
Not exactly sure how to keep up with the digital world? Continue reading. Below we list 13 effective tips on digital marketing for startups!
1. Update your search engine optimisation (SEO) frequently
Google makes updates to its algorithm hundreds of times throughout the year. This fact alone should be enough to convince you that you should be making frequent updates to your SEO as well. Learn what keywords are bringing in the traffic and which ones aren’t.
After learning this information, you can then make the necessary changes. You should be making these updates quarterly. SEO is how your target audience is going to find you.
2. Search engine marketing (SEM)
A form of internet marketing that uses paid advertising to increase your SERPs is known as search engine marketing or SEM. You might need to have an expert on your team that understands how SEM works. This type of marketing comes in a variety of forms.
You can use Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, and others.
3. Blogging is a lead generation tool
Companies that blog generate a significantly greater amount of leads than those who do not. And marketers who blog are also more likely to see a positive return on investment. It’s important that you remember to always post on material that is relevant to your startup.
Content that is relevant is valuable. And this valuable content is what will drive traffic to both your social media and your website. It’ll also help with your search engine rankings.
The more you post, the more likely you are to be found by someone who is interested in your product or service. Posting frequently also tells your target customers and other potential customers that your page is up to date and active. Lastly, blogging gives your startup a voice, which allows consumers to build a relationship with you that feels more authentic.
4. Responsive web design
Make your digital marketing mobile-friendly. You’ll need to use responsive web design to ensure that your website is not only accessible through a mobile device, but that it’s easy to use on a mobile device as well. Accessing the internet through a mobile device is becoming the standard, so it’s important that you don’t skip over this tip.
Using responsive programming, you’ll have the capability of taking your website and making it fit for all mobile screens. Keep in mind that we’re not only speaking about cell phones. We’re talking about tablets, smartwatches, and more!
5. Have a presence online
You’ll need to have a big online presence if you want to reach a large audience. Not only should you have a well-functioning website, but you should also have a well-functioning Facebook page, Twitter account, blog, Instagram account, and more. You could also consider having a company app for the web, Facebook, androids, and iPhone devices.
Be sure to have a design that is eye-catching, convenient, and easy to navigate through.
6. Interact with your followers and visitors
Always be sure to interact with your followers and visitors. Keeping up the interaction between your visitors and yourself is a great way to show that you are present on all your sites and accounts. Don’t only have ways to reach out to them, but have ways for them to easily reach out to you as well.
If they leave comments that ask questions about a product or service, be sure that there is always someone there to respond to them. By doing so, you will make them feel like they are valued consumers.
7. Use multiple social media platforms
Don’t just make a website and a Facebook page and call it a day. Use multiple social media platforms. The first step is to have a social media strategy for your business and then put it into action on major social media accounts.
These big names include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. But, there are other platforms that you should try as well, such as Reddit and others. The more social media platforms that you utilize, the better because it means you’ll have a larger audience.
8. Consider email marketing
Email marketing is one of the least expensive ways to build up your consumer base. In today’s world, more people access their email through their mobile device than they do on their computer. But this is a good thing because everyone has their cell phone in their hands 24/7.
This means that there is a better chance of your target customer seeing the email and opening the email. Emailing is a better tool than sending out text messages because they can be opened on more than just a mobile device and you’re able to add in more information.
9. Pay-per-click marketing
Pay-per-click marketing or PPC marketing brings traffic to your website by using search engine advertising. This type of marketing allows you to reach your targeted audience when they are searching for your product. There is a high return on investment because you will only have to make a payment when an interested customer clicks the ad.
You’ll also want to work with experts in PPC marketing like FalconDigitalMarketing.com, who can ensure your PPC success. With PPC marketing, you’re able to control how much you spend, and you won’t have to wait for the results. You can then take this data and apply it to other marketing strategies.
10. Make real followers and fans
You can have over 20,000 followers on your social media pages, but if they don’t interact or make purchases, then they aren’t helping you. You’ll need to make real followers and fans who engage with your pages and the content on them. Don’t fall for the trap of purchasing fake followers, because it won’t do you any good.
If the followers and fans aren’t real, then no matter how much time and effort you put into posting content, it won’t be seen.
11. Concentrate on target customers
As a startup, you may feel tempted to reach out to everybody and anybody to get your business out there. However, it’s essential that you focus on your target customers. Break down who your target customer is by their age, gender, location, and other details.
This will help you reach more people who are more likely to be interested in your products or services. Trying to put your brand out there to a large group of people who have no interest in it will get you less money than if you were to target a smaller amount of people who have an interest.
12. Influencer marketing
Compared to other marketing strategies, influencer marketing is quite cheap. Having an influencer help market your brand builds trust with consumers because if they see that the influencer uses the product, then they will feel more comfortable trying it out as well. As a startup, you might not be able to get a big name to advertise your brand, so don’t feel like you have to.
Start with someone who is mid-level and gradually work your way up! This is another way to reach a bigger audience.
13. Revisit your landing pages
Once you build a landing page, you’ll want to be sure that those who visit it come back. You should be very specific on where you place your advertisements and call to action at. When using email marketing, you can add in a link that will take the consumer to your landing page when they click on it.
You can also consider purchasing sponsorships with other companies. Always keep the target audience in mind when deciding on the design, layout, types of ads, and more.
How will you use digital marketing for your startup?
You’ve already put in a lot of time, money, and hard work into your business, so failure is not an option. The best way for a startup to succeed is by properly using digital marketing.
Follow these tips above, and you’ll be on your way. And for more help with your startup, be sure to check out our resource section for guides, websites, tools, and more!