Many modern businesses depend on online marketing methods to drive sales and get the cash registers ringing. Whether you’re launching a startup, you’re branching into e-commerce, or you’re keen to generate more interest online, it pays to come up with an online marketing strategy that works.

So, what do you need to be successful? Here are some handy hints that may help you answer this question.

Branding

Branding isn’t just about catching somebody’s eye when they walk into a shop. It’s also about giving them more information about the product, making them think about who you are and what you do, and encouraging them to buy into your business. Branding is a means of using aesthetics and design concepts to appeal to clients, but it’s also about generating a link between certain products and your brand name.

You shouldn’t have to physically walk into a shop and see a product to associate a brand with a product. If somebody asks you about fizzy drinks, for example, what company names come to mind? This happens automatically without you seeing a page full of pictures or slogans.

If you’re paying more attention to online marketing, make sure your brand has a strong online presence. Your social media accounts and your website should bear your name proudly. Use the same handle across social media platforms and encourage followers to engage with you on more than one site. Use your logo on emails you send out and posts you submit. Be consistent.

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Give people more

When you buy something online, you don’t have the opportunity to see it with your own eyes and feel it. This is why it’s so important for retailers to provide as much information as possible.

In a shop, you may have a rack of clothes to choose from or a shelf packed with stand up pouches filled with all kinds of edible delights on offer. You can use your senses and sample items to help you make a decision. With e-commerce, you’re reliant on what you can see in front of you.

If you’re selling clothes, for example, make sure you include a range of images, which show the piece from every angle and offer a feature that allows you to zoom in. Show the clothing on a model as well as on a hanger, and provide information about the model so that the client can get an idea of how it would look on them and what size they would need.  

You can also run a blog on your website to provide more detail about selected items and feature them on your social media pages. It’s also useful to have an online chat feature so that you can respond to questions rapidly.

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Emphasize convenience

How often do you see companies telling you can book an appointment in a second or buy something instantly? If you’ve set your business up with convenience in mind, make sure you play a role in your marketing campaign. Show and tell people how easy it is to buy from you. This could be the thing that sets you apart from your rivals, so don’t undersell it.

If you’re keen to inject some vigor into your online marketing strategy, bear these tips in mind. Hopefully, you should notice a positive difference in no time.