Great marketing can raise brand awareness and generate leads, and Internet marketing is ramping up competition among businesses. Many organizations struggle to utilize Internet marketing effectively and believing marketing myths can negatively impact business. There are oodles of myths surrounding online marketing and these prevalent misconceptions keep businesses from growing and thriving.
1. ) My Content Has to Go Viral
There is more value in reaching a small, highly-targeted audience.
If you depend on local business, widespread likes and shares out of your area might help your ego but not your bottom line.
Someone seeing your content does not equal him/her engaging with your content.
Content that establishes you as a problem-solver and thought leader is more important.
2. ) I Don’t Need to Spend Money on Social Media Marketing
Promoting posts through boosted or paid ads can put your content in front of a larger audience.
Spending money allows you to target your audience and deliver more relevant, impactful information.
3. ) Only Certain Types of Business Benefit from Internet Marketing
Online marketing is a way for any business to interact and connect with customers and prospects.
Marketing is story telling – every business has a story to tell and can tell it uniquely.
Internet content isn’t just about using words, you can use photos, videos, infographics, gifs, etc. to create interesting and engaging content.
4. ) Quantity v. Quality
There is a difference between consistent posting and bulk posting.
Low-quality content makes everyone lose – it has no value to customers and negatively impacts your business reputation.
Every piece should have a specific objective and bring value to consumers.
Low value content wastes consumers’ time – engage and impress, don’t disappoint.
5. ) Marketing Has to Be Memorable and Entertaining
Marketing needs to sell your product or service; it needs to motivate people to take action.
Just because someone thinks your ad is awesome doesn’t mean he will be moved to act.
ROI is based on whether or not what you are marketing fills a need or solves a problem.
Desirability and ability to inspire a response are more important.
6. ) Cross-platform Marketing Isn’t Necessary
You increase consumer exposure to your business with multiple marketing channels.
You increase your reach by utilizing your website + print + any and all social media platforms that make sense for your organization.
97% of buyers use social media when researching a product or service and online channels are where consumers go to discuss businesses and customer service - meet them where they are.
7. ) I Don’t Need to Worry About New Content, I’m All Set
Fresh, engaging content builds brand credibility.
The knowledge that there will regularly be new content brings consumers back.
Updating is always necessary because relevancy is, well, relevant…
8. ) All Content Should Center on MY Business
Engage.
Educate.
Provide value.
Help solve problems.
Life isn’t always about promotion.
9. ) No One Reads Long Copy
Ever heard of an e-book? People will read content that is well-written, compelling, and interesting.
Provide valuable, useful resources.
Not all content should be long, not all content should be short. Mix it up and let the topic, product, or service determine the copy length.
Internet marketing is an excellent, long-term strategy. Great marketing pieces share three important features – they are relevant, engaging, and they trigger a response or action. Leave those marketing myths behind and get the most out of your Internet marketing. The experts at Strategy Driven Marketing are available to help you succeed – contact us today.