It’s a new year, a clean slate and fresh start for many. This could, and should, include a review of your business’s marketing plan. With so many social media platforms and marketing trends to keep up with, it can be overwhelming to even know where to begin.
So, we’ve compiled four marketing must-haves for 2017 to help you navigate the ever-changing marketing world and better reach your target audience. Incorporate all four into your marketing strategy and watch your business soar over the next 12 months.
Your 2017 Marketing Must-Haves
- Mobile-Friendly Website
- Social Media Presence
- Incorporate Images & Video
- Share Your Expertise
1. Mobile-Friendly Website
More than ever, people depend on their mobile devices to access websites and the search the Internet. For that very reason, it is extremely important to make sure that your website is mobile-friendly. Google recommends responsive design as the best way to design your website for mobile-friendliness. A mobile-friendly website should give visitors to your website a consistent and user-friendly experience across various devices (desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones).
Not sure if your website is mobile friendly? Contact Your Marketing Liaison for a check up.
2. Social Media Presence
Odds are most of your clients, customers or patients (no matter the type of business you have) use and are at least somewhat active on at least one social network. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 65% of American adults use social networking sites. With that said, be sure your business or practice has a strong/active presence on at least one social network, the one your customers are most likely to be using!
Having a strong/active presence on social media will help expand your customer reach, increase your company’s exposure and, ultimately, impact your revenue.
Each business is different and this means ‘one-size does not fit all’. To determine the social networks that would best support and grow your business, contact us at Your Marketing Liaison for a consultation.
3. Incorporate Images & Video
Humans are visual beings and statistics continue to show we react more positively to visual content. That is because pictures/videos are lasting and more memorable than simple text. Visual content helps to get your message across more effectively and people are able to better process and retain information portrayed through images and video.
With new smartphone capabilities and apps, it’s easier than ever to shoot a quick video for your business, medical practice or law firm. A video that provides helpful or interesting information to potential and existing customers, clients, and patients.
For example, a business could have a short ‘how-to’ video to demonstrate how to use a product or do a particular task. A dermatologist could record a Botox treatment on a patient. A lawyer could explain the importance of having a Will to potential clients. These visual aspects can be shared on your business or practice website, on your social media channels and on YouTube and Vimeo.
Where viewers deem them helpful and interesting, videos (and images) can be viewed and shared over and over again. When this happens, this helps boost your reputation in your area of expertise and build further name brand recognition.
Need advice on how to best incorporate images and video into your online marketing plan? Contact Your Marketing Liaison for a consultation.
4. Share Your Expertise
The last marketing must-have is hosting a blog on your mobile-friendly website. A blog is a great place for you to regularly share helpful tips, information and relevant news with loyal customers, clients, and patients.
Interesting and helpful blog articles will help boost visitor traffic to your website over time. Furthermore, a blog can also help develop your reputation as an industry expert in your field. It’s a place where you can share your knowledge and expertise with others. Customers and non-customers alike.
Read more about the importance of blogging here.
Don’t let the idea of blogging scare you! Half the battle is getting started … the other half is blogging consistently! You don’t need to be a professional writer to share your knowledge. However, it is important to have someone with good writing skills do a final review, edit and tidy-up.
Interested in learning more about blogging and the value it can bring to your business? Contact Your Marketing Liaison to learn more.
Questions about any of these strategies? We’re only an email or phone call away!