Digital Marketing Myths - Debunked!
Every year brings with it new and noteworthy misconceptions for any industry, and digital marketing isn’t any different! We’ve gathered together some of the best myths we’ve heard so far this year, and we’re here to debunk them!
Myth 1: Traffic from Social Media or your Website Equals a Conversion.
We’ll be the first to tell that while social media is a GREAT lead source, it’s not a conversion tool; that’s up to you!
If you’re a service-based business, the traffic you get from social media will bring you the leads you need, but you’ll need to put in some extra effort and make a personal connection to capture that lead and turn it into a paying client.
Are you a product-based business? Chances are you’ll get some sales from traffic sent via social media without ever connecting with them personally. However, for repeat customers or clients, why not go that extra step and show your appreciation?
Myth 2: More Content Will Build Your Brand.
Well, this is partially true. While content is (and probably always will be) king, it’s TARGETED content that will help you build your brand.
Think of it like this: if you’re writing a blog or other online article and you’re not using specific keywords throughout the piece, there will be significantly less traffic to your site or publication. However, if you throw those keywords in, ones that have been researched for your specific niche or topic, search engines will be able to better pick up on your content.
Now, take this idea a step further: if keywords help, what could multiple pieces on the same topic do?
This is called topic clustering, which means that you develop a collection of related articles on a particular topic, making sure to use the appropriate keywords, you can garner even further visibility from search engines.
To put it simply: more targeted articles = more visibility.
Myth 3: Once You’ve Built Your Website, That’s It. You’re Done.
If only that were the case!
But, no. In reality, your website should be updated regularly to keep up with industry standards. We recommend every 6 months to 1 year, and more frequently for product-based websites.
Think about it this way: your website is tied to you brand’s image. If it looks professional, your audience will see you as an expert. If it’s cluttered, outdated, or poorly designed, your audience may feel the same way about your brand.
Make sure you’re regularly updating your website to keep up with the latest trends in design and SEO best practices. But if this isn’t feasible for whatever reason, there’s one sure-fire way to make it seem as if your website gets updated regularly.
Create a blog!
Myth 4: A Facebook Business Page Is Enough for My Small Business.
This is a no-brainer. Obviously in this day and age, if you’re limiting your business to one online outlet, you’re not going to get much traction.
Not only do you need a website, even if it’s just a landing page of information for your audience, you should also be on the social media platforms where your audience spends the most time.
If your ideal clients are using Instagram or LinkedIn or Pinterest, your business should have a presence on those channels. Currently, social media is the number one tool used to drive traffic to your website and create leads.
If you only have a social media presence, you may be losing out by not having a dedicated place to share more about your business, like your specific services and offerings, and other pertinent information. It’s also the fastest way to either earn or lose credibility as an entrepreneur or business owner.
Myth 5: You Can Get Quicker Results Without Digital Marketing.
If you want any chance of competing with larger businesses in your industry, you need to be using some form of digital marketing. Paid online advertisements, Google Ads, and pay-per-click campaigns can bring in those quick leads you may need to get off the ground.
This is the year for online advertising.
Business owners and entrepreneurs have so many options to choose from now, and depending if you want to just grow your email list, provide more information, or get a head start on creating conversions, this is where you should start. Many of the options are quick and easy to set up, even if you’re doing it yourself, and they can also give you the time you need to build the longer-term strategies of your online marketing.
Just think of what social media advertising can do for a business.
Your audience is already there, they’re already engaging. If they see an ad from your company, as well as regular content, it’s another brand touch-point. Instagram even now lets people purchase products directly from their app!
With the majority of online experiences with a brand starting with a search engine or social media, it makes sense to put your marketing budget behind the tool that will give you the best opportunity of a high return on investment.
What other digital marketing myths have you heard?
Share in the comments below!
