If you want to be successful in the business world, you know the consequences of sticking to one thing for too long.
In the digital age that we live in, things are constantly changing, and it's important to keep up with these changes to stay ahead of your competition and continue building your business.
However, far too many marketers stick to what they know when it comes to digital marketing plans.
They've worked up until this point, so what's the point in experimenting with something that may completely backfire?
We understand your concern, but whether you're a B2C or B2B company, you need to diversify your digital strategies in 2019 if you want to succeed in bringing a positive ROI to your company.
Especially when there are so many amazing
marketing technologies that you need to pay attention to, and new digital marketing strategies you must master if you want to stay ahead of the game.
To help you find a starting place in this ever-confusing, online world, we have provided you with a list of five strategies you need to master in 2019 to get you started.
Permission-Based Data Collection
As laws and regulations about data protection continue to tighten, consumers are becoming acutely aware of what information online businesses are using, and how this is handled.
This transparency has led to a dramatic shift in the way that we make purchases on the internet, as people demand more control over what data websites collect.
Some websites and online marketing strategies refuse to face the fact this is even an issue, and continue to hide their privacy policy and clearly explain what data they're collecting.
This can often backfire, however, as it leaves consumers unsure of how their information is being handled, and stored.
Not only will this break down the trust your business has with existing customers, but it could also affect your ability to convert new customers.
How are they supposed to trust you if they don't know what you're doing with private, secure information like their payment details and emails?
In 2019, we predict there will be a large uptake in the amount of companies who use permission-based data in a positive way, to build trust with their customers.
The best companies currently are those who are proactive, using measures such as asking for opt-in details everywhere. Plus with
GDPR in full effect, this is now the law and not following the law will cost you big time.
Transparent collection of data is a new way of building up trust within your industry, whether you are a B2C or B2B company, making it an essential marketing strategy for the year ahead.
Content Marketing
Content marketing has been a major strategy in B2C marketing for a while.
It's only in recent years, however, that
B2B marketing has realized the true importance of using content to influence B2B purchase behavior.
Still, lots of businesses are struggling to use content marketing successfully in a world where keeping up to date with digital changes is essential.
To use this strategy successfully in 2019, you need to make sure the content you are providing is genuinely valuable towards your target audience.
You also need to make sure that the content is SEO optimized, giving it the best chance of being found by being highly ranked in Google.
You can do this by conducting regular keyword research in your niche, including backlinks within your content, and regularly fixing your website to make sure there are no broken links.
If you're a small business or you do not have a budget for content marketing, you can also hire freelancers to do content writing for you.
Of if you have a budget, using a content marketing agency like us, because agencies often have vast experience in SEO and amazing writing skills that help businesses increase conversions and provide the utmost value for their customers.
Email Marketing
Email marketing has been an essential strategy for businesses for the last decade, but the way we're using email marketing in a B2B setting continues to evolve over time.
In 2019, you should think about the personalization of your email marketing system.
How does what you're saying directly apply to your target audience? How will you draw them in and make them open your email instead of sending it straight to their trash can?
Luckily, features that allow businesses to look more into
big data help companies understand their target audience better than we have been able to in previous years.
This means you will be able to target emails depending on the pain points of your customers, increasing your open rates and conversion rates when you promote your products and services.
It's important to note that you shouldn't be promoting your services in every email you market towards your customers, as this will lower the value of your emails. Instead, provide value by sharing useful information about your niche and solving issues that your clients are having.
If you're a SEO company, for example, you might help your clients by giving them a few tips on how to optimize their websites. You could then, in a later email, promote a course, and tell them why they should purchase that as well as continuing to receive your free, valuable resources.
Social Media
You might think social media has become completely oversaturated with people in your niche as they learn about the potential benefits of active business accounts, but you would be wrong.
Regardless of how many companies there are within this niche, you can still stand out and
market yourself successfully if you make this part of your strategy in 2019.
The key thing to remember is that social media is all about perceived value.
You need to show the people that are following you that you can provide value by giving them information they wouldn't receive from your competitors.
Over time, being active on social media will help you build up trust with potential customers, allowing you to start targeting your products and services in their direction.
And you deal with social media, don't forget about
social media influencers. It doesn't matter what industry you're in, or how niche your product is. Chances are - there are influencers who can help you broadcast your message to the right people at the right time. Simply use tools like Ninja Outreach to find the most influencer leaders in your field and how to get in touch with them.
Summary:
Digital marketing is always changing, always adapting. And so should the marketers who work tirelessly around the clock to deliver a positive ROI for their companies. And whereas many of the strategies discussed today (data permissions, content marketing, email marketing and social media) should not surprise anyone, one thing is for certain: how we leverage each of these strategies to meet our objectives is changing every year.
2019 should be a year of experimentation for every marketer out there. From partnering with new influencers to experimenting with infographics, in-depth studies and perhaps even video marketing, there is so much that can be done to propel your company into the future.
So do it. Time is now. Get outside your comfort zone and try new things. You won't be disappointed.
About the Author: Michael Reddy is the president of Digital Authority Partners, a Chicago web design & digital strategy agency.