ONLINE MARKETING STRATEGIES AND ITS MISCONCEPTIONS

 

Online Marketing, which in most cases is referred to as Digital Marketing, is a fast-growing trend in the business world. Since everything and everyone is online, businesses have migrated from traditional shop/market setting to the internet. This has helped them reach their customers at wider ranges. Although, marketing digitally has become the order of the day, due to its enormous benefits, it has oftentimes been misunderstood. Hence, some misconceptions which tend to cripple the efficiency of this marketing strategy. Some of these misconceptions will be explained and debunked.

 

·         Online Marketing is for Small Businesses:

One of the major misconceptions of online marketing is that it is for small businesses. It is quite difficult to believe that some people will have this misconception. This is because there are several big businesses that have grown and are still growing as a result of the employment of online marketing strategies. It does not matter the size of your business, since creating and maintaining online presence is beneficial for business, it will go a long way to grow and sustain your business.

 

·         Social Media can replace a Company’s Website:

Some people believe that social media can take the place of a business or company website. This is definitely not true. Social media marketing is very crucial for the growth of a business, but it is also important that the business has an official website. It is on this website that all the company’s products and services are fully expressed. The social media platforms should only be the subsidiary of the company’s website. In fact, the business or company website should be the focus of your social media marketing and other digital marketing strategies. Your customers should always be redirected to your website.

 

·         The Business must be in all Social Media Platforms:

Also, some business owners, especially small business owners, have this misconception that their businesses must be in all social media platforms. Please be guided. It is not compulsory! Your social media platform should be appropriate for your business. For instance, a fashion-based company has no business on platforms like LinkedIn. Not that it outrightly wrong, but because this company will thrive better using platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Find the appropriate social media platform(s) for your business.

 

·         Businesses should be solely Marketed Online:

Be reminded that traditional marketing platforms like radio, TV and newspapers are not to be completely written off. This is a mistake some business owners make, as they believe that they should run their businesses solely online. Don’t despise these traditional platforms, as digital marketing, when practiced solely, can make a business owner stand the risk of being swallowed up by the internet.

In conclusion, whatever misconception you might have, make sure you do proper research before engaging online/digital marketing strategies in your business.