Gone are the days when merely having a working website is enough. The online world is vast; a simple search for “contractor” yields results well into the hundred of thousands. You know you’re the best, but do your prospective clients know it, too? What makes your business stand out from the rest?
Here is a checklist of 5 fundamental digital marketing practices you need to make your online endeavors not only worthwhile, but an invaluable investment for your company.
5 Digital Marketing Techniques You Need to Nail
1. SEO - Search Engine Optimization
First thing’s first: are you easy to find online? If you aren’t optimizing your content for search engines, the answer is probably no (unfortunately).
Let’s say your company’s name is Ted’s Electrical Contractor, Inc. If anyone were to search for your name specifically, your website should come up in the first few results. But what if they do a non-specific search, such as “local electrical contractor”? Now your website is competing with any number of companies in your area.
Does it still rank at the top of the page?
Clients are most likely to check out websites that come up earliest in the search. That’s why being up-to-date with the latest SEO tactics is so important. The math is simple: an increase in web traffic equals an increase in online leads. And that’s really what it’s all about.
2. Web Design and User Experience
So you’ve got them looking at your website. Now how do you keep them there? OVER HALF the visitors who visit a website leave after 15 seconds. Yikes!
How many times have you yourself gone onto a website, only to click the “back” button within the first minute because you couldn’t find the information you needed? User experience involves everything from how your website looks to how easy it is to navigate.
Readable text sizes, links between pages, and a clean layout are just a few of the things to think about. You also need to make sure your website works consistently across all Internet browsers and devices.
3. Content, Content, Content
Content is everything. You want your clients to know exactly what you’re capable of and why you’re the best. Your website’s content needs to be clear, concise, relevant, and engaging. You need to know and understand your audience. What are their concerns, their needs, their desires?
Content is more than words.
Show them pictures of your latest build. Show them before and after shots of your most stunning home remodels. Pictures, videos, infographics, white Papers—your web content strategy should include all of these.
4. Email Marketing
Email marketing may seem old school, but it really is one of the most viable ways to generate leads. And when it comes to email marketing, it’s all about being proactive. Whether you’re reaching out to prospective or current clients, email brings your company straight to their doorstep—or their inbox, rather. Just make sure the content you include is both relevant and engaging, that way, clients will feel compelled to read and respond.
5. Social Media
Do I really need Facebook? We’re a construction company for Pete’s sake!
The answer is yes, you do! Social media isn’t just a trend. It’s here to stay and the statistics show that professionals who adopt a strong social media strategy experience a measurable increase in both leads and sales. Home remodelers, plumbers, general contractors—no matter what sort of business you’re running you can’t escape the fact that social media marketing generates results.
Is your business incorporating all 5 of these elements into your digital marketing strategy? Do you feel you are excelling in each of them? If you answered no to either of these questions, chances are you’re missing out on countless opportunities.
Want help making the most of your website? Give Marketing Essentials a call today at 419.629.0080 and speak to one of our Digital Strategists.
