Are you wondering how to get your business out there in 2023? Well, let me tell you, digital marketing is where it's at! And the good news is, it's not as complicated as it may seem.

Social media, email, and web-based platforms are your new BFFs when it comes to marketing. They're cheaper than traditional print marketing and can reach more people. Plus, with the emergence of AI, digital marketing is constantly evolving and improving.

But don't worry if you're feeling overwhelmed, I'm here to help! Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your current strategy, I've got you covered.

Check out my guide for the best digital marketing ideas for small businesses in 2023. Let's get your business seen and heard!

Let's be real, not all of us are marketing gurus. If that's the case for you, don't worry, you're not alone. Many small business owners struggle with marketing and see it as a major challenge when starting a business.

But fear not! I'm here to help make marketing a little less daunting. I've created a step-by-step list of marketing ideas specifically tailored for small businesses. So, whether you're just starting out or need to revamp your existing marketing strategy, I've got you covered.

Step 1. Do your research.

Get to know your customers and what they want, then make that the centerpiece of your marketing efforts.

Take a look at what your competitors are doing in the digital marketing space and see how you can improve upon it.

Are they using social media? Are they big on email marketing or display ads? Keep up with the latest digital marketing trends in your industry and learn how to stand out and make a name for yourself.

Step 2. Show your website some love.

If you don't have a business website yet, now is the perfect time to create one. If you already have a website, show it some love by updating the content, adding some pizzazz to the homepage, or possibly creating an online shop to complement your current sales numbers. It's important to ensure that your website is easy to navigate and fully optimised for search engines too.

Your website doesn't have to be flashy, but it should be functional, have a clear purpose, and explain what your business does in a clear and concise manner. Make it simple for people to find you, learn about your products or services, and contact you. A website can be a powerful tool to increase sales and improve your visibility, both locally and globally. So, put in the effort to create a website that works for you and your business.

Step 3. Update your Google ‘My Business’ listing and utilise customer reviews.

Establishing a strong reputation in your industry is essential for building trust with your clients, and utilising tools like Google My Business can help you achieve this. By taking control of how your business is perceived externally, you can effectively manage your online presence and foster a positive image.

Customer reviews play a significant role in how potential clients perceive your business. In fact, 30% of customers consider reviews to be a key factor when making a decision. It's essential to ensure that your review representation is positive by actively listening to your customers and taking the necessary steps to improve their experience.

Moreover, responding to both positive and negative reviews demonstrates that you care about your customers and their interactions with your brand. By taking the time to reply, you can show your commitment to customer satisfaction and build lasting relationships with your clients.

✴︎ READ → 10 Easy Tips on how to get more online reviews

Step 4. Dive into AI marketing

Did you know that over 25% of small businesses are already using AI tools to support their digital marketing campaigns and sales automation efforts? And the best part? More than 90% of these businesses say that using AI tools helps them save costs. So, if you're looking to streamline your marketing efforts, adopting AI technology could be a smart move for your small business.

There are a variety of software tools available that can help you integrate AI into your marketing strategy. For example, you can use tools like Copy.ai or Chat GPT to generate copy for website pages, blog posts, or social media content. However, it's important to note that while AI can be helpful, it still has limitations. You should always double-check everything and personalise the text to your brand's tone of voice. These tools can save you time and get you started on creating content.

You could also consider using various CRM systems, depending on your business type and size, to help with marketing automation, sales CRM, customer service, content management, and operation services. These systems can help you keep your databases clean and up-to-date, as well as offering chat services and automatic transcription of calls. By improving your customer service muscle, you can help strengthen relationships with your customers and improve overall satisfaction.

Step 5. Craft Compelling content

If you want to drive traffic to your site and keep visitors engaged, creating interesting and worthwhile blog posts can be a great strategy. But how do you ensure that your content stands out from the crowd? Keep these four tips in mind, and you'll be on your way to creating a killer blog:

• Put your audience first: Always consider what your audience wants to know, not just what you want to tell them. Focus on their interests and needs to create content that resonates.

• Make it search engine optimised: Use relevant, high-volume keywords to make sure your content shows up in search results. But don't overdo it – use keywords judiciously throughout your content.

• Tone and style matter: While grammar and spelling are important, don't forget to make your content friendly and approachable. Avoid overly complex language and jargon, and aim for a conversational tone.

• Build trust with your readers: The best way to build trust is to be authentic and transparent. Don't make up statistics or speak negatively about competitors. Instead, focus on creating readable, relevant content that shows you understand your target market's wants and needs. And don't be too sales-focused – be human, relatable, and believable.

By following these tips, you can create blog content that not only drives traffic to your site but also builds trust and credibility with your audience.

Step 6. Boost your online visibility through Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Improving your SEO presence can significantly boost your sales, and Google My Business plays a crucial role in this. By adding your exact location to Google, you can literally put your business on the map. The best part? It's completely free to use!

To enhance your SEO strategy, start by building a database of relevant keywords that are popular among your target audience.  You can use tools such as Answer The Public ,  Google Trends or Google Keyword Planner,  to identify high-volume words and phrases that people are searching for. Once you have a list of keywords, incorporate them into your website copy to improve your search engine rankings.

Step 7. Achieve marketing success through effective email campaigns.

Even with all the advancements in technology, it's important not to overlook the value of a well-crafted email campaign. Even today, targeted emails can be extremely effective and bring significant benefits to your business.

• Personalise your emails: Address your customers by name and segment your email list based on their preferences and behaviours. This will make your emails more relevant and engaging, and increase the chances of conversion.

• Use attention-grabbing subject lines: Your subject line should be short, catchy, and convey the benefit of opening the email. Avoid using spammy or misleading subject lines, as they can damage your reputation and lead to low open rates.

• Make your emails visually appealing: Use a clear and concise layout, with a mix of text, images, and calls-to-action. Use a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes, as many people check their emails on mobile devices.

• Test and optimise your emails: Use A/B testing to experiment with different subject lines, email content, and calls-to-action. Track your metrics, such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversions, and use them to refine your email strategy over time.

Remember that email marketing is all about building relationships with your customers and providing them with value. If you focus on delivering high-quality content and personalised experiences, you can turn your email list into a loyal and engaged customer base.

Step 8. Partner & collaborate with other small businesses

Collaborating with other small businesses is an excellent choice if you're working with a limited budget. By partnering with other companies, you can reduce costs and gain more exposure by tapping into their network. Co-hosting online classes, offering discounts to both your mailing lists, and cross-promoting on social media are all effective strategies. This approach not only helps build a more robust community among small business owners, but it also operates similar to influencer marketing, except that it's free for both parties.

Step 9. Focus on one to two social media channels only.

Navigating the constantly evolving social media landscape can be a challenge. With ongoing system updates, fluctuating public opinion, and fierce competition for attention among major industry players, it can be difficult to determine what to post and where to post it. To maximise your efforts, I would recommend to prioritise the social media platform that aligns with your business goals and caters to your customers' preferences. You may opt for up to two platforms, but there's no need to be present on all of them. Focus on the platform where your target audience is most active and where you can provide the most value.

Note, that the best social media platforms for B2B and B2C marketing can vary depending on the specific industry and target audience. It's always a good idea to research and analyse which social media platforms your target audience is most active on and where they engage with content related to your industry. This can help you tailor your social media strategy and maximise your reach and engagement with potential customers.

Step 10. Set up a referral and / or loyalty program

Implementing a referral program can be a powerful strategy for generating new customers through word-of-mouth marketing. However, it's important to ensure that any discounts or benefits offered through the program are financially sustainable for your business. While it's not always advisable to discount your products or services, referral programs can be an exception as they provide a way to reward existing customers, incentivise new sales, and ensure repeat business.

Step 11. (Should really be a step one) Have a Marketing Strategy!

By now you might have many marketing ideas for your business, but without a clear plan, it can be difficult to execute them effectively. This is where developing a marketing strategy becomes crucial, and it should always be the first step in your marketing efforts.

Marketing Strategy provides a clear roadmap for achieving your goals and objectives, and helps you to prioritise your marketing efforts. With a marketing strategy, you can identify your target audience, determine the best channels to reach them, and establish a budget and timeline for your campaigns.

Creating a marketing strategy doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be as simple as outlining your business goals, identifying your target audience, and determining which marketing channels will be most effective for reaching them. Once you have a plan in place, you can begin executing your campaigns, measuring your success, and making adjustments as needed to ensure you're getting the best return on your investment. With a solid marketing strategy in place, you can be confident that your efforts are focused and effective, and that you're on track to achieving your business objectives.

SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL MARKETING SUMMARISED

When it comes to digital marketing for small businesses, it's all about having a plan and using different digital platforms to your advantage. Keep your message clear and consistent, and focus on branding, website functionality, and social media visibility. And don't forget to create content that people will find interesting and want to share. With the right digital marketing strategy, your small business can become a household name in no time!