The difference between an online strategy and digital marketing is pretty straightforward; to be successful at digital marketing, you need an online strategy. Strategy first, implementation second. But so many of us start posting content without an online strategy and then give up when we see little or no results. And, yes, I include myself in that illustrious group.
See if this sounds familiar.
I've tried all sorts of digital marketing for various lengths of time, optimistically hoping I would start seeing engagement, and when I didn't, I would walk away and have a brood about what went wrong. Then I would start again with a new plan of attack.
I got a little exposure out of all that effort, but heck, isn't the point of digital marketing to grow our business?
It did take me quite a bit of time and many hours of failed digital marketing to realise I was missing a massive piece of knowledge. On the other hand, my clients' were coming to me and asking me for help with their digital marketing because they also didn't know where to start.
Digital marketing by design is straightforward. Create a lovely image or write a quick post, and press the button. Job done! You are connecting with your customers and hopefully attracting the attention of new customers. It's all so simple and cost-effective.
But is it?
Think about how much time you spend on your digital marketing, and then look at what is recommended, and you'll soon see that is quite a lot of work.
Recommended post frequency for a few digital media platforms:
1-2 times per day
Daily
5-times a day
2-3 times a week
YOUTUBE
once a week
once a week
If you put that much energy into your digital marketing, you will want to get results. Add to that the pressure of getting returns on any paid advertising, and well, it's crushing when you only hear crickets.
After another head scratch, I realised that we all needed an online strategy to drive our digital marketing. Now that I understood what was missing, the questions became, where do you start, what was necessary, and what was a waste of time? I did a lot of research and found snippets here and there, but a complete solution that I could use for my business, didn't seem to be out there.
So I made it my mission to build one.
My program is purpose-built to guide entrepreneurs through the steps you need to cover before you even think about posting those lovely images and lengthy articles.
On completion, you'll pop out knowing your market and customers so well that you can confidently feel like your content speaks directly to them. In addition, you'll have developed digital marketing objectives and goals that can determine if your efforts are growing your business.
Finally, when you finish the program, you will have a ton of clarity around your digital marketing and know what to measure and tweak.
It is everything I wish I had before I started my ill-fated attempts at 'digital marketing' all those years ago.
So, my advice to you; the next time you whip up a post to promote your business, ask yourself, does this content align with my online strategy?
If you don't have an online strategy, I want you to start thinking about getting one NOW!
Read more: What is your online strategy?
Want to develop an online strategy, but feel overwhelmed?
I built a step-by-step program that will show you how to develop an online strategy for your business.
It's a jam-packed masterclass explicitly built to give you everything you need to bring clarity and purpose to your digital marketing.
If this sounds like a solution you need, let's hop on a call to see if your business is a good fit.