Not too long ago, television ads and billboards dominated the marketing world. However, the best place for a solid marketing campaign can be found online. With the accessibility of media and the fact that almost everyone has the internet in their pockets, it makes sense that the most effective form of marketing is done on the world wide web.

With this relatively new medium for marketing, plenty of different approaches have come to the forefront. Here, we will look at digital marketing and how long a business should expect results from its digital marketing campaign.

1. Content Marketing

When you think of content marketing, think of information. Content marketing can be recognized as blogging or other instructional campaigns. With content marketing, new content is constantly being published, keeping whatever is being marketed at the forefront of people’s minds.

The best part about content marketing is that it is primarily free. You can find a host and set up shop there. The downside to content marketing is that it can take quite some time to find traction. There is a lot of content on the web, so you must work hard to make yours stick out. Many content marketing companies will do this by utilizing SEO keyword research or partnering with high-tier publications. These are just two of the ways you can increase the impact of your content marketing efforts, among others.

2. SEO Marketing

Don’t get SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and content marketing confused. As mentioned above, SEO is often used in content marketing and has a significant effect. So, what exactly is the difference between the two?

SEO marketing relies on algorithms. SEO aims to find words that Google will pick up. The more you can figure out how to navigate this algorithm, the better off you’ll be. SEO is key for getting your website to the top of Google’s home page.

The thing is, SEO marketing can take a while to work. It’s one of those things that you must keep plugging away at, but in the end, the results are worth it.

3. PPC Marketing

PPC marketing (pay-per-click) differs from SEO marketing but is still very effective. You would recognize it as a pop-up ad or a paid advertisement. While some people scoff at these, they still do an excellent job of grabbing new leads and making people aware of a marketing campaign. It’s called “pay-per-click” because you are effectively paying for each click that you get by paying to have your ad placed somewhere. The more clicks you get, the less you wind up paying per click.

As opposed to SEO and content marketing, this is a digital marketing strategy that works quickly. However, it can be quite expensive. Any good PPC agency will know how to navigate these waters, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.

4. Social Media Marketing

The most ubiquitous of the four, social media marketing, is effective because of its popularity. Any social media platform is great for advertising, but it’s not as easy as simply posting something. Social media algorithms are constantly changing, so you need someone who understands the ebbs and flows of social media marketing. There is also a lot of content, so you must stand out.

The great thing about social media marketing is that the conversion rates are quite high. The bad news is that there is no way to guess how long it will take to be effective. Some people can go viral, and their marketing campaign pays for itself every day. Others will have to be more strategic, much like we discussed with content marketing and SEO marketing.

As an entrepreneur, having a strong online presence is essential for attracting and retaining customers in today’s digital age. Digital marketing provides a range of tools and tactics to help businesses of all sizes reach and engage with their target audience. There are many digital marketing options, from social media and content marketing to search engine optimization and online advertising. To maximize your online presence and reach your business goals, it is important to carefully evaluate the different options and select the most appropriate strategies for your business and target audience. Investing in the right digital marketing strategies can help you promote your business, bring in new customers, and grow your online presence.

About the Author

Greg Walthour is co-CEO of Intero Digital, a 350-person digital marketing and PPC agency that offers comprehensive, results-driven marketing solutions. Greg has more than 20 years of experience directing paid media strategies, optimizing SEO, and building solutions-oriented content and PR. He leads a team of experts in web design and development, Amazon marketing, social media, video, and graphic design, and Greg has helped companies of all sizes succeed in the digital age.