Internet Marketing for Small Business Owners

Gone are the days when direct mail, cold calling, and door-to-door soliciting ruled the marketing world. The future is here and norms have shifted. The success of a brand’s marketing is now measured in large part by the scope of its reach online. Your business could be an industry staple; a powerful force to be reckoned with. But without good online marketing strategies, how can you make that happen? The true victory is in growth and scale. The internet is a place that helps you to do this. In today’s digital climate, a healthy brand or small business should never stop marketing online.

Here at The Forum, we recognize that any good PR campaign is nothing without a solid internet marketing blueprint. We also know that internet marketing is an important tool for small businesses — especially those who may just be starting out.

What Makes for Great Small Business Online Marketing?

First: what are the basics? It helps to know your audience. Study the market. Study the field. Are you a small, hometown CBD company in Tacoma, Washington? Or are most of your customers moms with an interest in parenting advice? Whatever the case, it’s important to read the room.

Find out which tactics appeal to your specific market. In general, marketing and advertising is an emotional game. Consumers gravitate toward content that tugs on their heartstrings. This part takes time. But consistent effort breeds skill over time.

The Nuts and Bolts: Internet Marketing 101

Graphics and Imagery

It’s true: we live in a visual world. Visuals are key. These can make or break a good campaign. Have you drafted up the text in a newsletter for your email list? Add in some infographics or sleek imagery. In today’s digital climate, there’s an average of 2-3 seconds before the human eye will begin to wander elsewhere while viewing an ad. Make it count.

Good Copy

If you’ve mastered the visuals, you’ll need good words. In the internet marketing realm, words and images work well on their own, but together they are unstoppable. Great copywriting is the oil that makes the engine run.

Brand Messaging

There’s a secret sauce in creating good copy for ads that makes the whole job worthwhile. One question to consider: is our brand message consistent? Brand messaging is at the heart of anything your brand represents. Creating a voice that is steady and thorough reminds your audience about who you are. This should be reflected in any of your internet marketing. There’s a reputation to uphold anytime you release something new. Keeping your brand message consistent is how you do this.

Keep it Authentic

What do consumers love the most? The real thing. Authenticity is paramount for building relationships between your business and your consumers. They’ll want to know that they can trust you. Create online marketing strategies that align with these values. This part is easy: just tell them the truth.

So how can small businesses master the art of great internet marketing? Practice and consistency. Here in San Diego, The Forum offers consulting and online marketing services. Learn more about them here.