Digital Marketing Strategies | The internet has changed how we do business. Nobody cares about print ads and billboards, and don’t even think about cold calling in this digital age. Marketing today is all about reaching potential customers online. In this post, we’ll talk about 9 digital marketing channels you should consider for 2022.
What is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing refers to all marketing activities that take place on the internet across different channels, including computers, TVs, and smartphones. The term specifically refers to online marketing methods like search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, and pay per click (PPC), etc.
In 2021, if you don’t have a website or a strong online presence, you’re likely to lose out most of your potential customers. Public restrictions and personal precaution during COVID-19 have led to nearly a 60% decline in foot traffic. This is why you need an effective digital marketing strategy that employs preferably multiple platforms to give your business a competitive edge.
Here are the general benefits of employing different digital marketing strategies:
- Digital marketing channels are less expensive than traditional ones.
- All digital marketing strategies are trackable and measurable.
- They provide valuable insights into your audience.
- They potentially have a global reach.
- They effectively generate leads and improve sales.
- The Top Digital Marketing Channels for 2021
The general rule of thumb is, as users increase, the digital landscape evolves continuously to meet the needs of customers and brands alike. Digital marketing is personalized, meaning businesses can build better relationships with their target audience. And in today’s increasingly mobile economy, consumers interact with brands using multiple channels.
So without further ado, let’s check out the 9 trending digital marketing channels for 2021:
1. Social Media Marketing
Most people are familiar with social media popular, and data suggests that the average internet user has nearly 8 social media accounts in 2020. During the pandemic, traffic on these platforms has risen through the roof, and companies are using this to reach more potential customers. The top social media sites businesses use include:
2. Content Marketing
The goal of content marketing is to create relevant and engaging content that attracts audiences to learn more about your brand, products, and services. Content marketing includes blogging, visual content, ebooks, and infographics. Companies can use content marketing to grow their followers, promote products, increase downloads, and generate leads or sales.
And statistics don’t lie:
- 73% of marketers say that social media marketing is effective for their business.
- 54% of social browsers use social media to research products.
- 71% of consumers who had a positive experience are likely to recommend the brand to friends and family.
3. Email Marketing
Email marketing is the oldest and most popular digital marketing channel for businesses. Using email marketing, you can engage and grow your subscriber list. Thanks to email automation, you don’t have to spend hours sending personalized emails. Here are some statistics from HubSpot that show why email isn’t going anywhere for a long time:
- Global email users will exceed 4.48 billion by 2024.
- Promotional email marketing is among the most go-to digital marketing strategies.
- 80% of marketers reported an increase in email engagement in 2019.
4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is a digital marketing strategy using which marketers understand what users are searching for on Google and other engines. With this information, they rank their website for the terms users are searching for. SEO is among the main drivers of organic (unpaid) traffic to websites, and 64% of marketers invest in it.
5. Video Marketing
Since YouTube came into existence, video marketing has grown to become the most creative medium for promotion and awareness. 81% of marketers claim that video offers the highest return on investment. While creating video content takes time and finesse, it pays off, and you don’t need to buy or rent any fancy equipment.
We live in an age where all you need to get started is an idea, a smartphone camera, and video editing software. Businesses usually post their marketing videos on YouTube, Facebook, and their website.
6. SMS Marketing
Text messaging has been around for nearly two decades, but it wasn’t until recently that it became an effective digital marketing channel. While the basic feature and its purpose remains the same, marketers have finally unlocked its true potential. SMS marketing is a direct and instant communication channel that can boost customer engagement.
Businesses can send promotions, notifications, alerts, reminders, 2-factor authentications, and digital receipts as well. Text messages have 98% open rates compared to just 20% of all emails, and it takes less than two minutes for recipients to respond.
7. Influencer Marketing
In a nutshell, influencer marketing involves using or partnering with popular people to promote products or services. It goes beyond hiring celebrities or sportsmen for commercials or to serve as brand ambassadors. YouTube revolutionized influencer marketing and made it possible for any brand or individual to channel its power.
Social media influencers and small businesses regularly collaborate for mutual benefits, which is usually an exchange of money for an engaged niche audience.
8. Pay Per Click (PPC)
Pay Per Click is similar to SEO. The biggest difference is that it’s a paid digital marketing tool that usually requires a high initial investment depending on your industry and competition. The most common PPC platforms are Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads.
Instead of organically ranking your website, PPC ranks your website to the top of search results, and you pay a fee for every user who clicks on your ad.
9. Podcast Marketing
Podcasting is a relatively new digital marketing channel businesses use to engage their existing followers and new audiences. Podcasts are popular on YouTube and social media, and Google is planning to use them to drive traffic as well. Here are some interesting statistics you should consider:
- As we enter 2021, there are over 30 million podcast episodes.
- Over 90 million Americans regularly tune in to podcasts.
- 65% of podcast users listen on their smartphones.
- 75% of people listen to podcasts to learn about new things.
Bottom line
The internet is constantly bringing endless opportunities for businesses to reach more customers across different digital marketing channels. From social media to SMS marketing, you have many options to choose from to attract different audiences.