Since the start of the pandemic, the importance of marketing has only increased. With that said, it is time to refocus after last year and bring a new perspective to your marketing for this year. Budgets should be set, and action plans laid out. Did you include these items in your 2021 marketing plan?
Focus on Digital
Digital marketing continues to evolve, and we’ve seen just how critical technology is over the last year. One of the most important digital marketing tactics that businesses often aren’t doing is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is done by optimizing the content on your website to rank higher in search engine results, increasing the amount of visitors your website receives. With it, you’ll achieve better organic search results, get qualified leads to your website, and improve brand awareness. It’s not as glamourous as other digital marketing because SEO is mostly “behind the scenes” on your website and landing pages, but the impact grows each month and brings in potential members and customers.
Keep it Flexible
Try focusing on one quarter at a time instead of an entire year all at once to maintain flexibility in your schedule. Planning in shorter timeframes allows you to adjust to any changes that may take place, locally or nationally. Make a habit of reviewing which tactics are working and which aren’t and make changes to maximize effectiveness. Do this for your budget as well to maximize your planned spends and ensure you’re using your resources wisely.
Stay Active on Social
Now is the time to take advantage of your online presence. Social media gives you the opportunity to talk about what’s important to your brand and plays a role in your followers’ brand experience. Social is a great way for potential customers to have a conversation with your brand, so make sure you’re constantly checking and staying up to date on your social media platforms. You don’t have to do all the platforms, but do be active on the ones that best match with your brand and business.
Review Your Metrics
An important part of your strategic planning process is to set metrics for success, to determine if you’re reaching those goals throughout the year with each campaign. We hear all the time “it went great”, but how do you know it went great? It that based on feedback from just a few staff members?
Make sure the goals can be tracked and measured. Being able to measure campaign performance in clicks, conversions, applications or a ROI is crucial to understanding what works best for your company, and if the overall campaign was a success.
If you need help or would like more info about any of the things we’ve mentioned, contact us! We’re ready to help.