Why No Online Marketing is Bad Marketing

Guest post by Michelle Rebecca

It’s easy to shy away from online marketing if you’ve never dipped your toes in the water before. It can seem confusing, and if you’re business is doing well, what’s the point? The worst that can happen is that you miss out on a few sales, right? It’s this kind of thinking that not only keeps your business down, but helps give your competition a boost.

It’s expected that you’re online and have a solid presence. If you’re not optimizing online marketing, you’re not just opting out of that arena — you’re hurting your business all around. Marketing can often be added to website design pricing to help you get started. Your reputation is on the line so don’t delay.

What It Says to Customers

Your customers are always looking for the best deals, fabulous service, quality products, and a reputable company. If you own a yoga apparel store in Charlotte, you can bet even your most loyal customers have a wandering eye. What happens when they Google new yoga pants in the city and a competitor’s Google ad pops up alongside Twitter accounts and Facebook? The competitor’s Facebook page is filled with useful tips and giveaway items.

However, your lack of online marketing and presence tells your customers you don’t care. It also tells them that you don’t have the marketing budget or time to build a virtual community. You just lost a customer.

No One’s Faithful Anymore

People get bored and it’s your job to change things up and stay interesting for your customers. The allure of something new, or even something that appears different, is irresistible. Start livening up your social media, add a blog to your repertoire, or host competitions. If you’re a blogger, start link-sharing with like-minded writers.

Overexposure is better than no exposure at all. Don’t think of online marketing as some insurmountable obstacle. It all counts — everything from pinning daily on Pinterest to dabbling in an easy-to-create Google ad. Create a spreadsheet of your realistic online marketing goals to prompt you forward.

Start Getting Personal

The best online marketing connects directly with your readers. This can mean choosing to hyper-locate your Google ads or trying different tactics to build a virtual relationship. Ask questions, post on your follower’s wall, and always be open to suggestions. More businesses are mimicking a co-op, as your customers want to be part of the decision making process.

Remember that online marketing doesn’t have to be expensive or necessarily take that much time. A short 15 minutes carved out of each day for social media or tracking your ads is all it takes. Know where you stand, because if you don’t, you’re likely at the bottom.