From the day we’re born, we’re surrounded by myths – long-held beliefs spurred on through the ages by outrageous tales and the storyteller’s-cousin’s-neighbor’s-babysitter’s-great aunt who once knew someone to whom the urban legend occurred. Remember chain letters and Bloody Mary?
History is fraught with myths later debunked by science and technology:
- The Earth is flat
- Julius Caesar was born by C-Section
- George Washington chopped down the cherry tree
- Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb
- Remember the Alamo
Most of the time myths are harmless, merely the scary stuff of campfires and sleepovers. In the world of business, though, creating a strategy or avoiding a trend based solely on a widely held misconception, can do damage to your brand and wreak havoc on your bottom-line. Navigating between fact and fiction can be tricky, which is why we’re demystifying marketing myths and clearing your path to legendary business.
Myth: Some Businesses Just Aren’t Made for Digital Marketing
Just selling one local product, from one brick and mortar location to one specific type of customer – your business still benefits from marketing on the Internet. According to the latest statistics, 88% of customers research products online before purchasing, whether buying online or in-store. Completely swearing off an online presence, means risking 4 out of every 5 potential sales. Bringing your business into the 21st century doesn’t have to be overwhelming – a professional website, a few social media profiles, local citations, and a Google My Business listing will ensure customers find you instead of your competition.
Myth: Facebook is Over
The mere fact that the kids think Facebook is uncool, means that it’s prime real estate for marketing your business. Let the teens devour Discord, Snapchat, and WhatsApp while targeting your customers right on their phones through Facebook’s myriad of advertising opportunities. Anyone telling you that Facebook ads were just a passing fad, need only look at their 2018 Q4 report disclosing a 30% increase year-over-year.
And, just because young people say they’re not using Facebook, doesn’t make it true. According to Statista, Facebook is still the reigning social media platform with users between the ages of 18-34.
Myth: SEO is Unimportant
If you’re referring to a decade ago when spamming links and keyword stuffing were all the rage, then yes, that kind of SEO is dead. Today’s search engine optimization – the type that keeps your business alive and well – is not only important, it’s everything in helping customers find you instead of your competition. From prioritizing mobile to Google’s Knowledge Graph, location-based SERPs to content as king; optimizing your website to appease the algorithms is the only way of surviving in today’s digital world.
Myth: My business doesn’t need a blog
Some people still see blogging as an outlet for housewives or foodies. Hobbyists, lazily typing away stories of taking the twins on a train or lambasting the local pub over a tasteless filet. In reality, business blogs build trust and authority in the industry (and with search engines,) while acting as a no-cost, lead-generating machine. Sharing your blog posts across your social media channels also engages potential customers, and if shared enough, has the potential to go viral bringing in a slew of new business.
Myth: Digital marketing doesn’t require a professional
You may be an excellent driver, but do you understand all the mechanisms powering the engine? One of the most dangerous marketing myths is that it’s easy. Countless dollars, hours, and peaceful night’s sleep have been lost by those shelling out resources to every inbox solicitation of the greatest marketing tool in the land. Automation is amazing, and marketing tools often assist in award-winning promotions, but tools they are. A paintbrush in the hand of a world-renowned artist is the conduit to a masterpiece; a paintbrush in the hand of a novice, generally, makes a mess.
Ready to discuss marketing your business? Contact us, today!
