According to data released this spring by Fortune, the average American spends seven hours daily using the Internet. Because our society seems to be online constantly, small businesses are using a tactic called inbound marketing to reach their audiences and establish connections with them.
What is inbound marketing?
Inbound marketing, also called “pull marketing,” focuses on attracting and forming relationships with current or potential customers through online content. This type of marketing puts a company’s audience at the forefront, addressing how a product or service can meet consumer needs.
What are examples of inbound marketing?
The heart of inbound marketing is online content. Strong online content speaks to your consumers directly, allowing them to engage with your business, trust your brand, and purchase your product/service. The following are some common content areas:
- Blogs | This is the most effective inbound marketing tactic, when quality content is presented that provides value to your customers.
- Website | A clean, user-friendly, and updated website speaks volumes to your consumers. Your call-to-action, or what you want your audience to do while on your site, should be clear — whether purchasing your product/service, signing up for your newsletter, or following you on social media.
- SEO | Using keywords in your blog content and on your website will allow Google and other search engines to make your company visible to those who search for what you offer. This leads to more traffic to your website.
- Social Media | Posting consistently on social media extends your company’s reach. Social media should not only focus on highlighting your product/service, but it should also entertain and engage your audience, displaying your organization’s personality.
- Email marketing | A monthly e-newsletter allows your business to communicate with those interested in your product/service and personalize the content to them.
Why should my organization use inbound marketing?
First, if your company has a small budget, inbound marketing is for you. It might take more creativity and time, but creating quality content is an inexpensive way to attract your target audience.
Second, inbound marketing builds brand authority. Producing content regularly that is full of knowledge and valuable to the average reader will attract outside consumers, encourage customers to trust your organization, and have them return for more.
Finally, your online presence has an immediate and long-lasting impact. When your organization spends money on a TV commercial or a radio spot, audiences must remember your name to find you online. But with a blog and website that implements SEO, when people search for your product and service online, they will easily find your organization.
If you build attractive and trustworthy content, marketing isn’t so complicated.
Need help with blog content, your website, SEO, or using social media platforms effectively? Contact us today to get started.