It’s 2024. And if you don’t have a digital marketing strategy already, you need to start…like now – especially if you’re a local or small business. Even though it seems like at this point, everybody and their mother is aware of the importance of the internet when it comes to buying and selling products and services, there are still many local or small businesses who may not realize the potential that digital marketing holds for their business, or think that this type of marketing is for larger companies. In fact, the opposite is true- digital marketing is especially cost effective and efficient for smaller businesses with limited marketing budgets, as it provides them access to an audience previously only big companies could reach. Whether you’re a chiropractor who hasn’t updated your website since 2010 or a local med spa who already has a digital marketing strategy and is looking for ways to improve, here is why digital marketing is essential in 2024.
Why Digital Marketing is More Important Than Ever for Local and Small Businesses
While traditional marketing channels like broadcast television, newspapers, and radio still play a role in channeling to consumers, the internet has created a much more effective way to reach people. That’s because nowadays, most people rely on the internet for everything from entertainment to dinner recommendations. With over 311 million internet users (and growing) in the U.S. alone, it’s where you’re going to find your target consumer group. Here are some other reasons why it is especially important for local and small businesses:
- You don’t need a huge budget: Digital marketing strategies like SEO, social media marketing, email campaigns, and targeted ads don’t cost a whole lot, while having a high ROI; recent Nielsen ratings revealed that search marketing and online/mobile display marketing had high-to-very effectiveness ratings of 57%.
- Reach a global audience with your unique offerings: Small businesses can preserve the things that make their business special while simultaneously reaching consumers from all around the globe. Brand your local business with its unique charm and sell to curious consumers on the other side of the world.
- You can make informed decisions based on real data: One key benefit of digital marketing is that you can track engagement in real-time, making it much easier to adjust effectively. This is essential for small businesses without a lot of time or money to waste.
- Engage with customers on a personal level: Social media platforms are ideal for small businesses because they highlight the personal nature of local product and service providers. Build relationships with your customers by engaging in real time.
- Gain credibility and visibility for your brand: When people know you, they’ll know to come to you. Position yourself as an industry leader and stay competitive by building trust and visibility online for your brand.
Contact Us Today
In 2024, digital marketing is a necessary tool in your arsenal as a small business owner. If you think that you don’t have the time or knowledge to optimize your digital marketing strategy, Affordable Digital Marketing provides highly effective and affordable digital marketing services so that you can focus on growing your business. Call Affordable Digital Marketing to start expanding your online presence and attracting more customers today!