Marketing is constantly changing, evolving to meet new technologies and audiences. One thing remains constant, however: digital marketing holds the key to a business’ success or failure.
If you’ve been researching your own digital marketing strategy, chances are you’ve read a lot of misinformation that will make even the best plans ineffective. We call these marketing myths. Here are the top seven digital marketing myths of 2021.
Marketing Myth #1: I Can Create an Effective Website on my Own
With so many website design platforms available, you may think you don’t need a professionally designed one. An effective, customer-friendly website is more than pretty pictures and lots of words. It’s built on exhaustive, behind-the-scenes research, including:
- Target audience
- Effective calls to action
- Trends
- Algorithms
- Competitive site rankings
You will also need to consider your audience’s browsing habits, and streamline their user experience to match. What looks good on a desktop screen, for instance, may not be as appealing when it’s accessed via phone or mobile device.
Marketing Myth #2: Social Media Isn’t That Important
Social media is a huge player in the marketing game. How important is it?
- 70% of teens value the advice of social media influencers when choosing products and services.
- Over half of all women active on social media rely on these platforms when choosing a product or service.
- Nearly 60% of users rely on recommendations from friends on social media when choosing a product or service.
If you haven’t seen the importance of social media in your industry, maybe it’s because you’re focusing on the wrong channels. Here’s a quick rundown on the most appropriate channels for each target demographic:
- Baby Boomers: Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube
- Generation X: Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram
- Millennials: Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram
- Generation Z: YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram
Marketing Myth #3: Casting a Wide Net is Better Than Targeting One Audience
It’s important to identify your audience before planning a marketing strategy, or else you waste valuable resources advertising to groups who are not your ideal customers. In this case, the quality of your results will beat quantity every time. Focus only on your ideal target audience.
If you’re selling motorcycle accessories, for instance, your target audience will be far different than if you’re selling knitting supplies. Don’t waste valuable time and money pitching your products or services to audiences who have no interest in them.
Marketing Myth #4: I Will See Instant Results from Marketing Efforts
You’ve heard the term “it’s a marathon, not a sprint”; this is an unavoidable marketing truth. While some campaigns may net quicker results than others, a true forward-thinking marketing strategy will grow with your business.
Marketing Myth #5: Marketing is Only About Advertising
If you think only of advertising campaigns when you think about marketing, you’re missing the bigger picture. Marketing involves research and analysis, promotion of your brand, reputation management, cohesive brand representation, and more. Advertising is just one piece of your overall marketing strategy.
Marketing Myth #6: My Business is Too Small for Marketing Efforts
Whether your business is a large corporation or a smaller company, you will benefit from a well-planned marketing strategy. In fact, it’s more important than you think.
A small business will benefit from marketing in several ways including brand consistency, customer retention, and a more focused business growth plan. Marketing brings your ideal audience to your doors, and keeps them coming back for more.
Marketing Myth #7: I Will Have No Say in My Marketing Plan if I Use an Agency
While some agencies want a “total takeover” of a business’ marketing plan, ArachnidWorks believes in true partnership. Our clients maintain as much control over the future of their marketing as they’d like. Some clients prefer a “hands off” approach and focus their attention on other aspects of the business, and some enjoy a “hands-on” experience that allows them input every step of the way.
Ready to see how ArachnidWorks can grow your business, improve your website, bring you the customers you need, and help you keep them? Contact us today for a free consultation.