Many small business owners we talk to, often ask us the same question:  How can I acquire new customers using online marketing methods? This is the third part in our series focusing on answering that question through discussing some of the experiences our team at The Focus Group has experienced first hand.

 

If you missed the first or second parts, check them out: Part 1 – Knowing Your Audience and Part 2 – Create Great Content. It’s full of information about using free tools provided by Facebook and Google to identify and to reach out to the people which you are most interested in sharing your brand. If you’re all caught up, let’s get right into Part 3!

With all the advantages of digital marketing, the third step is essential. At this point, it’s time for you to start spending dollars on digital ad placement. Take a look at your traditional marketing budgets this year, and make an effort to spend at least 10% of that budget strictly on digital marketing.

You’ll be amazed at the results and you’ll start to see the advantages of telling your brand story to audiences you have specifically chosen to hear it.

Here are a few things you need to know about how to start spending on digital media.

1. Traditional media that sells digital impressions. These companies can be helpful because you’re familiar with them, especially if you’re already comfortable with your rep. However, be very aware of exactly what you’re getting with your dollars. If the jargon is overwhelming, call a time out and do some research to find out what you’ll be getting with “guaranteed impressions” or “programmatic marketing.” The major drawback is that this is often the most expensive option.

2. An advertising agency.  A great agency will see you as a partner and will work along side you to make sure your goals are met. They will also explain every step of the process in a simple way that everyone can understand. This instills confidence in what’s being done to reach your goals. At The Focus Group we work hard to keep up with the latest trends and tools so we can maximize your budgets, while putting your brand in front of your target audience.

3. DIY. If you want to learn how to manage your own digital marketing campaign, there are many resources you can utilize to become a self sufficient digital marketer for your brand. If you need help getting started, there are several resources online, or you can schedule a training session with me to learn Facebook Ads, Google Ads or any other digital ad network you’re interested in.

I spend a fair amount of time talking about digital media and interactive media on Twitter. Be sure to follow me (@tbroonline), and let’s chat about the direction of digital for your business; OR you can send me any questions you may have to my email here.

Go forth and do great, digital things!

Thomas Broadus
Director of Interactive and New Media