Digital Strategies 101: Explaining Some Common Online Marketing Concepts

Having an established brand and high converting website is one thing, but when it comes to digital marketing in 2019 there are so many possible strategies to pursue it can make your head spin! After all, there seems to be an ever-growing amount of social networks, platforms and tools to use than ever before. In fact, some get so overwhelmed when trying to understand marketing that they give up before even trying. And then for the ones who do try, it can be very disappointing when their money is lost due to a failed marketing strategy. But don't worry. This article is going to break down all the different kinds of marketing strategies that exist today and catch you up to speed as to which is right for you.

Social Media

Social media is the use of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote your brand. Every brand should use some form of social media - most platforms are free to use and it is a great way to engage with your customers. The brands who should not be on social media are the ones who look to create a platform on every platform. This is unwise because it will lead to you doing a lot of work for what could be a low return on your investment. 

Social media works when your brand uses it to create engaging content that you post on a regular basis. It doesn't work when you try to inundate your customers with profiles on every single platform. This just wastes your own time and doesn't bear as much fruit as posting more strategically to platforms you know will be effective. 

Social Media Ads

Purchasing paid ads through social networks is a great way to spread the organic reach of your social media posts. This is a great tool for anyone who frequently shares content via social media or who wants to target specific demographics with their ads. It usually works when you have a specific audience in mind for your post. It doesn't work when you try to cast too wide of a net and end up reaching users who may or may not want to see your message. There is a low cost for entry when it comes to social media ads, so if you write effective copy and create compelling ads you can expect a significant return on your investment. 

If you need help putting together a custom strategy or have questions don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be happy to walk you through it all. 

5 Sure-Fire Digital Strategies for Elevating Your Brand to Next Level

Lets do THIS!

Research has shown that the average individual spends at least 5 hours online every day.  Also, 85% of people begin their product and service search online. These are compelling reasons to take your digital strategy game to new heights. 

Improve Web Loading Speed

In the world of digital, time is everything. If people load your webpage and it's taking them ages, they will swiftly move on to your competitors' website. Loading speed is everything. Maintain your website visitors' interest with the rapid response time.

Use Online Advertising

Online advertising is a no brainer when it comes to digital strategy. And with the advent of social media, you can target millions of prospective customers. Not only is social media easy to use, but it is also cheap too. By forking out a few hundred dollars, you can boost your Ad and use that Ad to also link to your website. The other online advertising entails search engine because people search for what they need online. Drive traffic to your website by the use of brilliant content marketing. This includes the use of keywords and meaningful and insightful content.

Use Mobile Marketing

Research shows that most people respond to text messages no later than three minutes after receipt. This shows that people do look at text messages. You can utilize mobile marketing by sending personalized, earnest messages about your product. People will be driven to see what solutions you have to offer. Also, it's imperative to create a web design that's compatible with all devices – this includes having a platform that's friendly for mobile users.  

Create an Email List

Having an email list is strategic since you have a pool of potential clients who you can turn into customers. The trick is curating a catchy landing page with compelling content that will demonstrate the value of the list. Then send emails a week apart. This will ensure subscribers will have the business in the back of their minds while not getting annoyed by constant emails.

Include Reviews and Testimonials

There's nothing more convincing to a potential customer than the seal of approval from a client. Your digital strategy is more successful when people know they can trust your business.

These digital strategies will help you stay ahead of the game. They're budget-friendly, and they'll help you achieve sustained growth.  Still undecided the best strategy? Contact us today and we'll assist in every way possible. 

Your New Customer-Segmentation Challenge Is Gen Z

Digital strategies are many and diverse, but fundamentals remain fundamentals. Few fundamentals are most perennially relevant than audience. Who is the audience, what appeals to them, what motivates them?

These are questions that market researchers have been posing about Gen Z, those individuals born after 1996 and now some 25-30 percent of the U.S. (and international) population. In America, by 2020, Gen Z is expected to be 40 percent of consumers.

Significant surveys have been done, such as A Generation without Borders, by OC&C Consultants, which analyzes responses of some 15,500 respondents in nine countries. Other surveys confirm their chief findings.

For digital marketing, a prime consideration is how Gen Z connects to the internet. There is a one-word answer, "mobile." Indeed, an alternate moniker for Gen Z is "iGen." It is called the first generation overwhelmingly connecting on mobile devices.

Not only that, they grew up "online" and have been described as "born cyber" and "born in the [cyber] cloud."

They know and expect a sophisticated online experience. That means websites adapted to respond to different types of user devices by rapidly and fully adjusting photo size, scrolling, text size, video. The right software can do that. It isn't rocket science, but you need it.

Some things are well known about sites that attract Gen Z (apart from strictly content). They want text brief and to the point. They want high-impact visuals. They were born and bred on videos--action. As native citizens of the web, they have developed immunity to hype, regimentation, and fluff.

The survey and analysis mentioned above were detailed, but a few things stand out (and tend to be confirmed elsewhere):

·  Gen Zers are heavily influenced by celebrities and social media peers. They seem to want to hear directly from someone, a "tip-off," not the sales pitch. "Peer-to-peer, social selling models are more powerful for this digital generation and are an increasingly important component of a brand's business model."

·  A top finding, rather specific, was that Gen Z demands that clothing be stylish and unique. They are allergic to standardization and yearn to feel individual, unique. "Technology should allow the consumer maximum product personalization and customization, to facilitate engagement with major brands while still expressing individuality."

·  They have a take on "social justice" tied up with their view of corporations, corporate ethics, and products. More than previous generations, they reportedly have taken seriously the endless rhetoric about corporate citizenship. "Businesses should take note of their increased consciousness and ethical standards, both when supplying products and services…"

There is much more, and these are by way of illustration, but they are points made repeatedly about Gen Z and exerting a strong influence on digital marketing.         

          Of course, few companies and brands can afford to target a single generation, so decisions remain: Where to direct marketing efforts specifically at Gen Z? For example, they certainly do not dominate Facebook but are heavily into Instagram. And a relatively very small percentage of Gen Z discovers brands while out shopping. It is all about digital and social media.

At Real-Time Outsource, we are driven to understand and optimize how social networking must continue to transform advertising, marketing, customer relations, and much more. It is a focus relevant for all segments of customers, but almost a definition of Gen Z's style of engagement with brands.

Ask us how we can increase your brand's engagement, likability, and fan base.

Powerful Digital Strategies for Conquering Top Consumer Seasons

Integrated Plans that Grow Audience's All Year Long

Never underestimate the power of the seasons; their impact on society and the significant role they play in our lives. The world looks forward to certain celebratory seasons and occasions because of their emotional and educational value. Seasonal marketing campaigns can be the most influential contributor to a brand's success, inspiring customers to return multiple times throughout the year due to a positive 'first contact' experience. Seasonal campaigns matter because they're relevant to the times we're living in now. Everything we know and do is subject to being shared; from minute-to-minute restaurant experiences to hashtags that can boost sales with a single word. Then there are the Instagram stories that carry with them the short yet powerful punch that can increase your bottom line simply by being in the right place at the right time. Seasonal marketing campaigns remind us that "timing is still everything." 

Christmas in July: Using Familiar Concepts to Maximize Results 

Every retailer and e-commerce site has the opportunity to make a lasting, profitable impression during a particular season. Some clichés, though overused, never go out of style. They're an integral part of certain strategies that remain tied to images, memories, and buying patterns. Marketers who successfully weave intellect, emotion, and spirituality into the fabric of their seasonal campaigns have a better chance of connecting to the customer on a personal level. 

Seasonal Marketing Campaigns: How Early is Too Early?

It's all about strategy when choosing the right season to market your business. For example, you're in the pet food business and the Christmas season is right around the corner. Consumers who love spoiling their furry friends also buy them gifts. It's a great time of year to add pictures of pets wearing snowshoes or waiting on the porch for the next package delivery. It's easy and it makes sense to use real-life scenarios that people experience in their daily lives. 

Even though a season is short, it provides countless opportunities to reach beyond your present customer. By providing your customers with the following services, you plant seeds that grow throughout the life of your business. Taking advantage of seasonal marketing strategies such as Christmas in July can entice shoppers to purchase items earlier than anticipated by simply making it worth their while. 

· Shipping options: Allow customers a ship date they can lock in now

· Wishlist: The perfect way to give the perfect gift while referring new customers to your site

· Flash sales: A welcome, worthwhile surprise for existing customers

· Rewards: The word says it all; we know you and we thank you

· Huge discounts: Meaning what you say, and saying what you mean builds trust and creates brand loyalty 

Know Your Seasons and Start Planning: Meet the Top 5

According to Internet Retailer's Peak Seasons Report

, there are five holiday and non-holiday seasons that account for more than $136.69 billion in online sales: 

· Valentine's Day

· Mother's Day

· Back-to-School

· Halloween

· Christmas/Hanukkah

E-commerce sites base much of their seasonal marketing strategies on these top 5 occasions, knowing the success and expansion of their business may be dramatically influenced by seasonal shoppers. Marketing professionals who neglect including these occasions in their seasonal merchandising plans run the risk of missing optimal growth opportunities for the rest of the year. 

According to Internet Retailer

, "These five holiday periods combined accounted for an Internet Retailer-estimated $806.31 billion in total retail sales from Halloween 2017 through back-to-school season 2018. This 17% is higher than e-commerce's usual share of total retail sales, which Internet Retailer estimates was 13% of total retail sales in 2017. The report can be a guide for merchants to maximize sales during these periods, as it reveals key shopper trend data, including conversion rates and traffic, for each holiday and explains the online selling nuances for each. For example, nearly 70% of online spend on Mother's Day occurs just one week before the holiday, while the back-to-school online shopping season lasts for more than two months." 

Re-Vamping and Re-Cycling Seasonal Campaigns

Cost effective thinking is a useful strategy and it's a place where humor can really help. Once you commit to a specific advertising campaign, take another look. Can it be used during another time of the year? Does it include materials that are time-sensitive? Is there a way to add humor to re-market the product? Things to look for when the season is over: 

· Did the campaign produce desired results?

· Were there any constructive criticisms or reviews on the product?

· Did the content inform adequately?

· Were the product listings easy to understand and navigate?

· Did we maximize our potential by using multiple content types and various distribution platforms?

· What message did we send to the world?

· Is there an emotional takeaway from this campaign that can be meaningful later on?

· Sticking to a Schedule

Time is of the essence when planning a seasonal campaign. This translates to meticulous timing and attention to detail. If you're printing promotional materials, allow time for corrections. If your plans include a winter car sale, make sure the video production is completed by then.  Prepping for a season should immediately make you aware of the hundreds or thousands of other companies who are preparing as well. Everybody is going to be busy at the same time. You can turn this into an advantage by being prepared and ready to go at least two months before the holiday -- the sooner, the better.  

These are the points that make the difference. And, they provide you with opportunities to sit with your marketing team and talk about them together. One new idea can transform your ad into a seasonal favorite, increasing brand awareness and giving you a positive brand image.

Seasonal marketing takes place now but, it lives in the future. We see it over and over again, the companies who produce relevant yet timeless campaigns become part of our lives. Appealing to humanity's heart is a seasonal campaign. Within its pictures, words, and music lies the power to make us laugh, cry, or both. Certainly, gifts to be used wisely.

5 Steps to Structuring an Effective Digital Marketing Plan

The following steps are an effective means of integrating a digital strategy into your business. They provide a foundation for every key online marketing activity that takes place. They integrate the essential multichannel marketing activities

 of the customer's lifecycle and break them down into the following sections:

Planning

Implement a data-driven approach for reviewing the effectiveness of your current digital marketing campaign including:

· Customized analytics

· KPI dashboards

· SMART objectives 

Reach

Build your brand identity and increase awareness using these online marketing techniques which drive consumers to visit your site:

· Personal branding

· Content marketing

· Search engine optimization (SEO)

· Conversion optimization

· Social media marketing

· Email marketing

Act

Encourage visitors to interact on your web or social media site to generate leads for the future

Convert

Your website's goal is to convert organic traffic

. Once a visitor arrives conversion occurs via personal interests:

· Answer questions

· Describe products and features

· Promote purchases through sales or special offers

Engage

Sales happen when businesses meet the needs of the consumer quickly and professionally. Repeat customers are those who are satisfied with the product and customer service. The best way to retain your customer's attention is with follow-up communication using:

· Email

· Social media marketing

· Call to action

We all love a company that can make us smile. We, as business people, get educated and gain perspective from analyzing our work before and after a holiday season so look forward to looking back.  When we open our eyes and listen closely, the possibilities for prosperity become endless.

Real-Time Outsource operates 7 days a week providing proven social media and influencer strategies for the most recognized names online. We'd love to hear your comments, questions and, concerns. Please contact us

 today for cost-effective campaigns, eye-catching content, and monitoring of your reputation online. 

Source:  https://www.smartinsights.com/digital-marketing-strategy/digital-strategy-development/10-reasons-for-digital-marketing-strategy/

Source:  https://www.lifewire.com/what-are-smart-goals-2377425

Source:  https://www.rightoninteractive.com/multi-channel-marketing/

Source: https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2018/10/09/peak-seasons-the-five-largest-online-sales-holidays/

Source:  https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/seasonal-marketing-campaign-guide

 Source: https://buzzfixer.com/seasonal-marketing-campaigns/

Source:  https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/best-advertisements

Source:  https://muchneeded.com/mothers-day-statistics/

Source:  https://www.martechadvisor.com/articles/ux-and-cro/4-conversion-opportunities-you-had-no-idea-you-were-missing-out-on/

7 Realtime Strategy Dos and Don’ts

As with everything else, you have to understand digital strategy well in order to practice it. Sometimes, you only learn through trial and error. But, at other times, you can learn from the experiences of other people too. This way, you'll know what to avoid, such as keyword-stuffing, long articles without any subheadings and photos which are unclear in thumbnails. You'll also learn what you should try to do more of, such as introducing keyword variety, using clear and striking photos and maintaining a clean-looking website. These are some of the things that people with experience in digital strategy usually recommend:

1. Don't do keyword-stuffing. At one point of time, people used to pick a keyword and keep using it in their content in order to get more hits. Now, however, search engines have wised up to this strategy and will actually penalize you if you do this.

2. Don't write very long articles. Reading on the internet is not like reading in a magazine. It may not be unusual to see an article which is several pages long in a magazine. But this will be too much for someone browsing the internet.

3. Do break up your content using subheadings. This makes it easier to read. You can also use bullet points and lists which are very appealing to the internet reader.

4. Don't use panoramic photos. When people do a search for a topic, they're going to get a number of search results which include small photos. So it's best to use close ups which are clear even at thumbnail size rather than panoramic photos which are not. (If you can tell what's in your panoramic photo when you view it as a thumbnail, it's ok to use it.)

5. Do design an intuitive website. This means keeping the website clean-looking and not too busy. Plus, the headings of your tabs should be easy to understand and the material under these tabs should be relevant to the headings.

6. Do post on social media as often as possible. You can't start a social media account and then let it sit there unused. If you want to attract new customers, you have to keep the conversation going.

7. Do start a blog and update it as often as possible. Fresh material is the only way to get new people to visit your website. And if you're writing something that will add value to the life of your consumer, then all the better.

Contact us for more dos and don'ts when it comes to digital strategy.

5 Popular Digital Strategy Myths Busted

People often assume that there is some secret to doing well in the digital world. Are you going to suddenly start getting more hits by posting at a certain time? What if you start writing about celebrities? Is that going to make you more popular? What if you start writing in a slangy way? What if you start using a lot of big words or jargon? Will people assume that you know more? These are some of the myths that have been perpetuated when it comes to digital strategy. So let's get rid of them once and for all.

1.    Time: Is it really that important to post at a certain time? The fact is that people check their email and social media first thing when they get into work. And teens tend to check when they get off from school. So sometimes, it can help you to post at certain times. But the fact is that if you keep posting regularly and writing good content, the time you're posting at is not going to matter that much.

2.    Celebrities: Sure, you might get a lot of hits by writing about the hot celebrities of the day. But are these the types of hits that you want? Are any of these people going to turn into customers? Probably not. So writing about celebs may get you more hits in the short term but doesn't help you any in the long run.

3.    Slang: If slang comes naturally to you, then sure, feel free to use it. But if you're forcefully using slang into order to appeal to a younger age group, you can be sure they'll have you figured out in no time!

4.    Jargon: No one wants to read big words that they don't know or understand. There might be some people who will be impressed by this type of language, but the majority will leave your website when they find they aren't getting any of the information they need.

5.    Attractive Models: Most people assume they need to use attractive models on their websites if they want to get more traffic. But the fact is that it's more effective to use relatable models—models who look at least a little bit like your customer. So why not mix it up and use models who are white, black, skinny, plus-size, men, women, young, old etc.? Your potential customers will appreciate you for it.

Contact us to learn more about increasing your following in the digital world.

Two Effective Digital Strategies Leading to Conversion Rate Optimization

Most companies realize that going digital is not just an option anymore; it's a necessity. No matter how small or big your business might be, you should have a website, blog and social media pages. And it's a good idea to keep updating these as much as you can, if you want to keep increasing traffic to your site. This in turn will help you to increase your customer base.

However, there's a certain problem that many companies have been seeing of late. Maybe you are getting a lot of traffic to your site but you're not getting that many new customers. There are many ways to solve this issue which fall under the general heading of conversion rate optimization. The idea is to convert viewers into buyers as much as possible. Here are some tips to help you do this:

Valuable Content

There are times when companies will just post blogs in order to improve their SEO. The more keywords they use, the more they'll show up in a variety of searches. And this means that more people will come to their website. However, if those people come to your website and find that your content is really not that interesting or useful, they're not going to stay on your website. They probably won't even read your article. They'll just move on to the next item that shows in their search.

So it's not a good idea to just keep posting content in order to attract visitors. You have to think long term. That's what a thought leader in the industry would do—post blogs and social media comments that are going to improve the lives of the people who read them. Don't just post filler content. And if this means that you have to read through everything yourself to make sure it meets your standards, then do so.

Aesthetics

Once you've made sure that your content is really great, you also have to think about aesthetics. You'd be surprised at how many people turn away from a website simply because they don't like the garish colors or they feel like it's too "busy." So stay away from garish colors and keep the layout simple.

You can still use bright colors, especially if you're in a creative field like fashion, but just use your judgment. You don't want to fade into the background by making your website too muted and too simple. But you don't want to stand out in an unseemly way. Go for a middle of the road approach.

Contact us for more great digital strategy tips.

Also .... Check out this awesome Video from Brian Tracy!