Digital marketing, also known as digital customer relationship management (CRM) marketing, is the part of advertising that uses digital technologies like desktop computers, hand held mobile phones and various other digital devices and platforms to market products and services directly to the end user. It is one of the most important tools in today’s market place and is used by companies large and small. It is a growing industry that is employing cutting edge technologies in order to expand and improve methods for selling. CRM marketing has changed drastically from the traditional sales approach. It has streamlined the sales process for both the seller and buyer and increased profitability significantly for companies.
The most common way to employ a digital marketing strategy is to create an online presence using websites such as MySpace, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter. Each website is designed to represent a brand or product, but in reality they are all working towards the same goal. By having an established presence on the Internet, a company can establish its credibility with potential buyers. By having a well-planned social media campaign, a company can develop a following of fans or followers. This social media strategy helps create a bond between a company and their customers, establishing a long-term relationship that can prove to be very profitable.
One of the most interesting aspects of digital marketing strategies is that a company can take advantage of a multi-channel approach by creating an online and social media presence on each channel. YouTube is a great example of an omni-channel digital marketing channel. The omni-channel describes a situation where a brand makes its presence known on several different platforms at the same time. For example, a company could have a page on their Facebook page and then have a video uploaded to their YouTube account at the same time, both of which can be shared by their customers.
Branding is also an important factor when it comes to digital marketing. While a business can have a presence on their own websites and social media accounts, they are much less likely to have the longevity needed to gain a trust deficit with their potential buyers. Brands that have a strong presence on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter have a better chance at gaining the trust of prospects and end up building a good reputation and following. The use of creatives in these platforms allows a brand to promote themselves through multiple channels. Creatives such as videos, audios and the sharing of images are powerful tools that can make a company more memorable and attractive to potential clients.
Another important factor in digital marketing campaigns is the implementation of paid advertising. Companies should always have a well-planned budget for any digital marketing campaigns. The budget should include the creation of the desired number of ads, the type of ad that will be used (image, text or video) and where the ad will be displayed (such as mobile, desktop or website). A good rule of thumb when planning out digital marketing budgets is to set aside about 3% of the total budget for paying per click advertisers, which will allow a brand to create unique ads that will catch the attention of potential buyers. Google’s AdWords is the most common pay per click provider.
There are many benefits to using digital marketing, but the most important benefit is that a business can reach a larger audience than their competitors. This is important because customers don’t want to miss out on great products or services because they can’t find them. Using digital marketing campaigns to help increase customer awareness of a product or service because it reaches a wide variety of people. It is also important for a brand to differentiate itself from the competition because it gives a customer reason to stay loyal. This is why digital marketers are becoming the “go to guy” when it comes to increasing customer awareness and loyalty.