Someone can have the best product or service in the world, but without marketing, no one will ever know about it.
This is one of the many reasons that there has been such a rise in demand for digital marketing.
Companies understand that more consumers are using the internet to do research, evaluate solutions, and purchase from businesses.
Therefore, if you are considering a career change, then digital marketing could be an excellent choice.
The ability to work from anywhere, earn a high income, and ride the wave of digital innovation are all benefits.
However, no business comes without its challenges.
If you are considering starting a digital marketing business in 2021, there are some things you should know.
So, in this article, we will cover various important aspects to help you make your decision and achieve success.
Without further ado, let’s jump in.
Do You Have the Education?
There is a certain level of marketing knowledge you need to have before starting your own business. The best digital marketers never stop learning.
There is a range of online resources that you can use to get a grasp of the basic skills you will need.
In digital advertising, it’s not necessary to get a 4-year degree from a university, although that constitutes one possible route.
This makes it a good course of action if you are considering a change of career.
The key is to make sure you understand the basics of conversions, funnels, analytics, and client acquisition.
You may also want to dive into specific tools that you will be using on a daily basis so that you can deliver your client’s work on time.
Do You Have a Niche Selected?
While the business opportunities in online marketing are huge, so is the competition. Trying to be “all things to all people” is not a winning strategy when you’re starting out.
You don’t want to compete with agencies that already have a reputation with general marketing services.
Instead, start out with a hyper-focus on just one niche.
For instance, instead of starting a generic lead generation company, select a specific industry to serve, such as finance, tech, or home improvement.
You can find details about your target customers by conducting research, for instance, on social media.
This allows you to master your craft faster and build your reputation until you can expand your services and cast a wider net.
Have You Done Competitive Research?
The last thing you want to do is jump into a market without understanding your competitors.
Performing competitive research is essential in identifying what types of marketing campaigns are common in your industry and what is working.
You can also gauge how difficult it will be to enter a market.
For instance, if you plan on starting an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) agency, look at how high your competitors are ranking.
You might think twice about going up against a firm that is ranking for a keyword like b2b software, as their budget will be multitudes higher than yours.
Do You Have Your Business Website up and Running?
Before you start hunting for clients, you want to create a solid online presence. At a minimum, you should have a professional website that explains your services.
A great website should have the following:
- Portfolio – This is where you showcase previous work. It might be articles you’ve written, websites you have designed, or links to results that you have achieved for clients.
- About Us – Personalize your brand by telling your target audience a little bit about you and your team. What makes you special?
- Contact Information – Ensure that you are reachable by email, phone, or some other method. This information should be easily viewable when someone hits your website.
- Calls to Action (CTAs) – On every page, you should include a CTA. This tells your visitors how to proceed to the next step in talking to you or hiring you. Examples include book a call, sign up for our newsletter, or even hire us now.
- Testimonials – Social proof is extremely powerful when promoting your business. Testimonials or reviews from happy customers will increase the trust that your prospects have in you and increase your overall conversions.
If possible, create content such as blog posts that help convey your expertise or philosophy regarding your niche.
How to Find Clients
Assuming you have everything you need to start your business, you can’t start producing revenue until you have clients.
This is one of the most difficult stages for many entrepreneurs looking to start their own digital marketing company.
Each type of marketing will have its own set of strategies to find clients. Your approach should be adapted to whether you’re looking for SEO clients, AdWords, or Facebook marketing clients.
For instance, a few tips on finding SEO clients are:
- Look On Industry Forums – A good deal of potential clients are going to hang out in online forums dedicated to SEO tips and tricks. You can offer advice to get your name out, as well as reach out to clients directly.
- Create SEO Content – What better way to demonstrate your SEO knowledge than by creating content on your site to drive organic traffic from potential clients?
- Network at SEO Events – There are many meetups and conferences throughout the year dedicated to SEO marketing. Even attending a few could land you new contacts that eventually turn into great clients.
SEO marketing differs from traditional channels, but it has its own set of rewards.
Wrapping Up
Just 20 years ago, digital marketing was still in its infancy.
Internet connection speeds and digital devices were not prevalent enough to capture a large share of the consumer market.
However, today, things have changed.
Businesses all over the world recognize the power of competing for market share by getting their name in front of their audience and presenting their offerings in the best way possible.
This opens up a giant opportunity for those looking to start a digital marketing business in 2021.
Still, there are common challenges that you might encounter in digital marketing.
A successful plunge into online marketing requires the right mindset, skillset, and planning to generate successful revenues.
So, review the sections above and ensure you have accounted for the most important aspects before starting your new business.
—Michelle Laurey works as a VA for small businesses. She loves talking business, and productivity, and share her experience with others. Outside her keyboard, she spends time with her Kindle library or binge-watching Billions. Her superpower? Vinyasa flow! Talk to her on Twitter @michelle_laurey.
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