First off….let’s define digital marketing as I get this question a lot!

In short, digital marketing is the use of online platforms (social media, websites, emails, search engines) to promote/advertise products or services. It’s highly strategic and businesses usually incorporate a variety of platforms to get the best outcome. The goal is of course to make the business a success, but the key part in that is the customer. Marketers work to find out who your customers are, where they are, and how to best engage them. There is SO much more to it but that’s the basis for now!

Now let’s have look through some of the key components and the terminology you need to know!

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): This is the process of optimising your website and content to basically have a better chance of being seen in search engine results. There are multiple aspects of SEO, and they are equally important…but we’ll dive into that another time.

Content marketing: Creating, using, and sharing valuable content that resonates with you audience, such as blogs, videos, and social posts to name a few. The key aim here is to attract and engage your target audience but it’s crucial to offer value, and this does not always mean monetary value.

Email marketing: Creating strategic email campaigns that offer value to your customers, but also sending single emails out in the right way so they get opened and people take the desired action.

Social Media Marketing: Every platform has a different target market and purpose but what all of them have in common is that they allow you to connect with your audience, get your business out there, and drive engagement through targeted content, advertising, and community interaction.

Influencer marketing: Collaborating with influencers whether they have a moderate or eye-opening following can be incredibly valuable for your business. They already have the audience, and they know what they’re doing, but you must choose wisely and make sure that whoever you choose is compatible with your brand. Do not choose someone based on follower count…do your homework, ask questions, see if they match your vibe.

Pay-per-click-advertising (PPC): One of the many paid advertising models, but arguably the most popular. As the name suggests…you only pay when someone clicks your advert. You need an eye-catching, engaging ad that provides value and makes your audience want to see what you’re offering. Targeting is CRUCIAL. Not targeting your paid ads is the equivalent of throwing your money down the drain! (More on paid ads another time!)

Analytics: Digital Marketing would be nothing without data! When you start collecting and analysing the data from your website (on Google Analytics), your socials, your email campaigns etc, you can understand customer behaviour, optimise your strategy, and measure your success. It enables you to make data driven decisions!

Customer relationship management (CRM): There are a number of CRM tools you can use to manage and analyse customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. The aim? To personalise interactions, foster loyalty, and enhance customer satisfaction and retention.