By Matthew Brennan
The online marketplace is extremely competitive, and it is vital that you maximize your return on investment (ROI). It can be difficult to spread the word about your business when the market is fragmented, and potential customers have so many buying options. It takes an innovative advertising strategy to succeed, and merchants must differentiate themselves from their competition.
Understand the brand
Businesses need clearly defined goals that establish the direction of the company. They need a firm grip on their culture. It is essential that merchants advertise and market themselves in a manner that is true to their personality, and tell their story in a compelling fashion that will drive people to buy. Once these things are in place, it is easier to develop overarching ways to incorporate innovation into the fabric of the company.
Stay ahead of the curve
Businesses must become masters within their channels of distribution. They need a clear understanding of where they are going and where they have been. They need to have knowledge of their industry, and what the competition is doing. All of this is possible through comprehensive research and a constant effort to keep up with emerging trends, and what your customers want. Whether a blog, app or ebook is the best way for you to reach your audience depends on your message, and the medium that your audience is most likely to utilize. All this can be determined through research.
Turn research into a plan
When it comes to online advertising, options include AdWords, email campaigns and banner advertising.
It is not enough to simply have data; businesses need to understand how to interpret it. You must evaluate your business and industry in terms of what might work, and develop strategies to maximize ROI. Businesses must understand that the best ideas may not solely occur from the top down, and should encourage employees to think of new ways of advertising.
When it comes to online advertising, options include AdWords, email campaigns and banner advertising. To maximize ROI with AdWords, retailers must understand the bidding process and learn which search terms their customers use. Email marketing requires a personable message that resonates and entices people to take action. A visible and simple opt-in form helps. With banner advertising, it is important to have visually stunning graphics which represent the brand well. All these things require planning and flexibility.
Teamwork is crucial
In order to develop a well thought out, inventive strategy, there should be a variety of people in the room. Do not be afraid to include both “numbers” people and creative types, as different employees have different strengths. When employees are routinely encouraged to think outside the box, ideas occur on a more frequent basis. Success requires approaching a problem from all angles. It requires a willingness to do things that your competitors have not, and to accept the occasional failed plan.
Inspiration is a key factor in success. While research is hugely important, it is also important to be open to new ideas and to think creatively when it comes to online marketing and advertising. By establishing your brand’s personality through thoughtful and targeted AdWords, emails and banners, you can become a market leader and increase your ROI.