Digital marketing is a necessary component of any modern marketing strategy, and small businesses can greatly benefit from using digital tools to help customers discover them online. 

That being said, digital marketing does not replace the need for a comprehensive marketing plan that includes a variety of tactics based on your business goals. Instead, digital campaigns should complement your existing promotional efforts and business plan to form an integrated marketing approach. Here’s why… 

Integrated strategies optimize results 

Digital tools like social media, blogs, and email marketing are valuable, extremely relevant and can help to drive brand awareness and traffic; however, not the end-all-be-all of your marketing efforts. All businesses need to consider taking an integrative approach when it comes to marketing. Integrated marketing strategies combine both traditional and digital methods. 

With an integrated approach, you’re more likely to reach a broader audience, attract leads and drive conversions. Take a look at the traditional techniques you’re currently using to market your business and then use digital marketing to elevate them! 

Digital marketing takes time and consistency 

More often than not, digital marketing takes time to produce results. For instance, if you’re just getting started with digital marketing, you’re probably not going to see instant sales or leads the way you might with other direct selling techniques. Most experts agree that it can take at least six months to see results from your digital marketing efforts, and that still depends on how much time and effort your business puts in. 

Digital marketing is a worthwhile investment that focuses on long-term strategies and relationship building; but it requires consistent messaging across all channels and synergy with your existing marketing to be successful. 

Client story

One Little Moon client thrives off of integrative marketing strategies. Month after month we see an increase in numbers across all of their digital channels and they reap the physical benefits… all thanks to implementing integrative marketing strategies. When Little Moon retained this contract, they already had traditional marketing methods in place. Methods and strategies like radio, print, mailers, events, and promotions. Of course, these sort of methods come with a price tag, too – but they are not out of reach. Let’s take a look at how Little Moon elevated one of their traditional methods by supplementing on social media.

This client holds monthly events. Prior to retaining Little Moon, they relied solely on word-of-mouth, posters displayed in the stores, and occasionally partnering with organizations in the community. All great ways to market events, but how can you elevate those efforts? Social media.

One specific event, that would have only reached 50-100 people relying on the aforementioned methods, reached just shy of 10K people on Facebook in that zip code. The Facebook event pulled in 555 RSVPs, and the event had an actual attendance of approximately 120 people. Had they just relied on their traditional methods, that number would have been cut in half – if not less. Why did they see so much success? Integrative marketing.

Final thoughts 

Having a well-rounded marketing strategy is critical to meeting your goals and objectives. Your digital tactics should work hand-in-hand with the promotions and business plan that you already have in place, and vice versa. So, if you’re looking to supplement your current marketing efforts with a killer digital strategy, let’s talk!