6 Online Marketing Do’s and 1 Don’t for Small Businesses

The world of online marketing has completely changed the way in which companies advertise to attract new and existing customers.According to Latest survey conducted by msnbc business expert JJ Ramber that smaller businesses are more inclined to use online marketing campaigns to attract customers as it is often more cost-effective and more likely to meet the right audience.  While online marketing may be cheaper (when compared to the cost of printing, TV adverts, billboards etc.) it certainly is not easier. However, to get you on the right track we have compiled a list of 6 Do’s and Don’ts that can help you to improve or formulate your marketing strategy.

1. Do Put Quality First.

You get what you pay for so don’t skimp out on your marketing strategy or web page, don’t sell low-quality goods and don’t cut corners. There is a lot of competition out there and you cannot afford to sell low-quality goods and services; you will only get bad reviews and unhappy customers. When you put quality first you also put customer satisfaction first, and that is definitely a recipe for success.

2. Do Go Mobile!

Don’t have an app-less marketing strategy! Mobile apps are the future of digital marketing. Assume that over half your potential audience is browsing the web when they are taking a break, using their smartphones; therefore mobile optimization is key to effectively building a relationship with your new and existing customers.

3. Do Have a Strategy.

Identify your target audience and study them, be aware of trends and forecasts and pay attention to what tactics and strategies other popular brands are using and develop your own tactics. Don’t, however, try every digital marketing strategy under the sun. All you need to know is who your audience is, what they want, where they are and how to reach them.

4. Do Think About SEO.

Search engine optimization, though not necessarily new software, forms part of the foundations for a comprehensive and competitive web campaign. Your marketing presence depends strongly on this, so don’t ignore SEO and do get yourself familiarized with it.

5. Do Have a Marketing Budget.

Don’t be cheap; failing to properly take into account the cost of an effective marketing strategy could potentially cripple your business, especially if you have to “find” money from other parts of your business. Small and startup businesses need better market penetration, and this really becomes a case of “you have to spend money to make money.”

6. Do Be Prepared To Make Mistakes.

This is probably the most valuable advice for any small business owner. It will take time to get your business going and mistakes will happen along the way, and you need to be adequately prepared to bounce back from setbacks. Proper planning, budgeting and a fair amount of flexibility are essential. Just don’t be scared of hard work because that’s what running your own business is. But once your business becomes a success, all that effort will have been worth it.