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We’re closing in on a new year and, for many of us, the resetting of the calendar presents the opportunity to reset or adjust our personal and professional goals. Those New Year’s resolutions may seem cliché, but what better time to seriously consider what’s essential to you and your business? As far as personal goals are concerned, that’s up to the individual. But, if your aim is to build your business in the next year, online marketing should be at the top of your list of “to do’s.” Don’t just take our word for it. Here are 5 expert opinions on why you should market your business online in 2013.
1. FOLLOW THE NUMBERS
A report from Forrester Research revealed 39% of online retail transactions by NEW customers start with clicks from paid or organic search results. 30% of transactions by repeat customers start with an email from the retailer and an additional 30% type the retailer’s URL directly into the browser.
When you consider that in 2012, an estimated $226 billion was spent on online purchases, it’s a no-brainer that to be successful, you need high visibility online.
2. OFFLINE AND ONLINE WORK TOGETHER
If you have a brick-and-mortar store, you know creating an image is key to bringing in customers. That’s why online branding is vital.
ComScore reports the average American spends 32 hours online every month. 42% of Americans report watching TV while browsing the Internet. Having consistent messaging across different mediums reinforces your values and brand. Offline tactics will often result in larger online results.
That’s where DBS>Interactive can play an integral role to your online success. We help you build and maintain engagement across all online platforms and we make it consistent with your image.
3. E-COMMERCE IS NOT THE FUTURE…IT’S THE PRESENT
Forbes Magazine reports retail is down and e-commerce is up. One clear example of the power of e-commerce comes from Macy’s recent returns. Forbes reports the 154-year-old retail chain saw online sales rise 40% in 2011 while same-stores sales grew just 5.3%. Maybe you’re not a billion-dollar business like Macy’s, but the numbers don’t lie. Online sales are overtaking retail sales.
Safe to say e-commerce is trending upward more and more each year. It’s not too late to jump onboard the e-commerce train.
One of DBS>Interactive’s strengths is developing safe, secure and responsive e-commerce websites that will give you an edge on competitors.
4. ONLINE MARKETING IS COST-EFFECTIVE WITH MEASURABLE RESULTS
In the old days, buying a newspaper ad was one way to reach potential customers, but now, newspaper circulation is decreasing dramatically. However, a full- or even half-page ad in a local paper could still run you thousands of dollars and may not reach your target audience.
Web analytics tools allow you to track meaningful metrics and offer you the opportunity to make informed business decisions on data, and not just assumptions. Based on data, you can determine the actual ROI of your online campaigns. If they aren't meeting your expectations, than the data provides you with the rationale to terminate the campaign.
SEO is one of many services offered by DBS>Interactive along with Pay-Per-Click campaigns and industry-standard, best-practice content creation and linkbuilding.
5. ONLINE BUSINESS NEVER SLEEPS
The Internet has no “business” hours. It’s open 24/7/365. That gives you the ability to promote, to engage and, most importantly, to sell around the clock. As mentioned above, traditional media advertising (like newspaper and television) may cast a wide net but is limited in scope. Online marketing is also a time and money saver in other ways.
The proliferation of web-enabled smartphones has done nothing, but accelerate this development. It's no longer even required that you be at a desk to access the Internet. Whether your customers are sitting in traffic, jogging in the park or eating at the dinner table, they have access to your website and your online advertising.
Time is of the essence. Let us partner with you to create that 24-hour storefront or advertising campaign that can reach your target audience with lightning speed.
READY FOR THE NEW YEAR AND NEW BUSINESS?
The right kind of online marketing and web presence can establish your business, engage your potential customers and create a dynamic relationship with your current base. DBS>Interactive has the expertise and experience to help you meet your business goals for 2013.
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