Modern Business Magazine October 2016 | Page 61

MODERN MARKETING integrating your offline channels (print advertising, direct mail, public relations, outdoor and broadcast) with online channels (e-marketing campaigns, search engine optimization, pay-per-click, banner ads, social media, blogs, RSS). Integrate the various elements of the mix to maximize competitive advantage for your brand. You need to understand and harness digital platforms. Proper integration of online media adds depth and measurability to your programs. It makes you more accessible to your customers. And, accessibility is an important key to marketing in today’s business environment. New technology such as Virtual Reality is opening up many new opportunities for entrepreneurs and marketing professionals to reach and connect with new markets and more highly targeted prospects. web presence. You have to make sure that you understand how your products are researched and found, and serve as a resource to people who are in search of information. Think of ways to drive people to your website, such as dedicated landing pages, and using an easy-to-remember URL with your promotions. This strategy makes it very simple to track your promotions. Offer a free newsletter, some other information of value, or coupons to your target market. Start doing a regular e-mail marketing campaign. Use segmented lists and personalized messages with very specific information for each contact. Permission-based tools can make your marketing and public relations dollars work for you. Sending regular messages to your stakeholders is one of the best ways to market your products and services, and to drive traffic to your website. Your communications need to be relationship-based, taking advantage of search marketing, social media, lead nurturing and online communities. Marketing Includes Social Media Activities – Social media is everywhere. You should have a company Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn page, at the very least. With everyone more and more connected via mobile, these are great tools to stay connected with your customers. Why not consider putting a blog on your website? Blogs are Marketing Includes Public Relations Activities – You should devote a good portion of your communications budget to public relations, which includes search engine optimization and social-media-optimized press releases, which can reduce costs, and increase exposure and potential ROI. It’s important to repeatedly let people know why your brand is worth its price by maintaining regular communications and focusing on the advantages of your products and services. A great way to accomplish this is to distribute press releases at regular intervals You must also invest in a strong October 2016 ModernBusiness 61