When it comes to digital marketing, social media is one of the first tactics companies turn to when it comes to developing a digital presence. This is not necessarily a good thing. Like most elements in history, social media is entering a new era of potential: domination.

Whether your category is business services, fashion, electronics, home improvement or packaged goods, companies everywhere are using social media to connect with consumers and increase their digital marketing strategies.

Problems with Social

Like we’ve said before, companies everywhere are using social media. That’s the issue, all companies are turning to social media for their digital marketing! It’s difficult to make your brand stand out when the same tactics are being used across the board. Also, when it comes to social media marketing, there’s a lot to learn, and it can be overwhelming. Here are some common problems that arise when a company doesn’t use social media properly:

• Lack of Engagement – It’s called social The point of social media is to engage with your followers and have your followers engage with you. Retweet, share and respond to comments, both positive and negative. Not being social on social media is like agreeing to an interview but refusing to answer any questions.

• Bragging – Your fans and followers already like you or they wouldn’t be following you on social media. You don’t need to spend your time on social media bragging about how great your brand is. Chances are, you’ll lose followers if you’re too heavy on the self-promotion.

• Automation – Managing several social media sites can be tedious and overwhelming. There are several different sites and platforms like Hootsuite that allow you to manage multiple social profiles at once; however, it’s still important to have a physical person monitoring all social accounts to avoid mishaps like this.

• Oblivious to Current Events – Keeping up with current events is necessary in the marketing field in general. There have been way too many incidences where lack of knowledge stirred up some major crises management issues for brands. This is common with hashtags. If some terrible tragedy has occurred, it would be in your best interest to not use it for your benefit.

• Failure to Measure – Having a lot of followers isn’t enough to have a successful social media presence. If consumers aren’t engaging, your social media presence is useless.

Going Beyond

Now, what else can you do to increase your digital presence other than social media? See the top three initiatives below:

1. Give your website Some TLC – The first thing a potential customer will do is look at your website. If your website looks like it was built in the 1970s, your credibility will decrease tremendously. As a company, it’s your job to appeal to customers. Having a professional, clean and updated website like these sites designed by The Sherwood Group: Forza Construction, The Lippman Center for Optimal Health, and Stambler Law, allows your business to be “open” 24 hours a day. It consistently builds brand awareness and will increase engagement with your consumers.

2. Hello SEO – If your company doesn’t appear on the first page of a search engine, you’ll most likely lose a customer. It’s imperative for your company to be searchable. It gives your company credibility and increases your chances of engagement. Whole Foods implements great local SEO planning.

3. Mobile Optimization – Now a days, people are using their cellphones to look up information on the go. Don’t forget to implement tactics that target the hardcore mobile users. Tactics can include: push notifications, apps, mobile banners or location services. More importantly, optimize your website to be compatible with a mobile phone. Take a look at what LeafFilter™ Racing did! The mobile site for the company is clean, concise and organized. As the use of mobile increases, so should the initiatives to reach this audience.

Tying it All Together

There are a lot of elements that can be implemented in order to have a strong digital presence. Definitely don’t ignore social media, just remember to extend your initiatives to go above and beyond the basics. A good campaign needs to be well-rounded and versatile, and there are definitely a ton of opportunities for that in the digital world!

If you’d like to be more successful with your digital marketing, contact The Sherwood Group.

Author: Marissa Eisenbrei is a freelance writer and designer living in Cleveland, OH. In her spare time you can find her reading book, or in a yoga studio. To contact her, email marissa.eisenbrei@gmail.com or visit www.meisenbrei.weebly.com.

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This article is published by Will Sherwood | The Sherwood Group |Website Design | Graphic Design | Marketing Communications: The Sherwood Group has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of companies, small and large. Our clients range from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 firms, in nearly every business sector, from across the street to around the world (and yes, even Europe, China, and South America). Our goal is to create advertising,  graphic design, website design, and marketing communication that still looks fresh and relevant 10-15 years later. Our mission is to stir your imagination and leave your competition shaken and wondering,  Now what do we do?”  We are located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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