Let’s talk digital in 2020, shall we? I mean is there even anything that has not found its way to the internet? Enter Digital Marketing – the topic that has hit every business around the globe like a meteor.
So, what is Digital Marketing?
If the definition is what you are looking for then it’s basically any form of marketing that exists online. But I have a feeling it’s not what you came here for.
Well, you are in luck because we are not going to just leave it at that. We are going to unravel the digital mystery and explore why digital marketing matters in 2020.
A Ride Through History
You may think that digital marketing arrived in the 2000s but you would be very wrong to think so. As a matter of fact, the term was first coined back in the 1990s with the debut of server/client architecture.
With this Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications gained popularity in marketing.
It was only after the development of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn in the 2000s when digital marketing became such an essential part of daily lives.
Overview
Let’s start by stating the obvious fact, which is… you are reading this on your laptop, smartphone, or your tablet.
Am I right?
Of course, I am. I mean, where else would you read a blog?
Believe it or not, there has been an increase in online users by 7% compared to January of 2019. That’s a monstrous growth with 298 million new users.
That too in a year’s time!
If you were wondering if that’s a lot, what if I tell you that there has been an increase in social media users by 9% this year?
If 3.8 billion internet users are on social media, that’s where you need to be!
Well, yes and no.
Digital marketing is possible both online and offline.
It will help you reach your audience through digital channels or mediums. Some examples are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Google, and LinkedIn.
Meanwhile, you can do the same offline through SMS, Radio, and TV.
However, there’s one thing that you need to pin inside your head. The primary goal is to offer a viable solution to your audience so that you can connect with them.
Why Digital Marketing in 2020?
Honestly, traditional marketing doesn’t work anymore. Remember all the hoarding boards, also known as billboards?
They used to be everywhere but now, not so much. In fact, there’s a very valid reason behind that.
Image: Ace Advertising Signs
Yes, I admit! These are both creative and attractive.
But, that’s not the point!
Another valid point is that there are digital billboards now. Isn’t that effective enough?
I’d say not exactly!
Think about it. Smartphone makers keep us blessing us with technologies and applications we never knew we needed.
In fact, the only person in a car actually viewing the real world is the driver. If you take a look at the passenger seats, everyone is just busy on their phones.
And, I am pretty sure we are not going to step back from that. If in any case, we are going to indulge more and more in the virtual world.
Now, here’s what happened… sorta.
Someone woke up in the morning and had an idea of creating the first smartphone in the world. And, this idea would change the world forever.
Moreover, the fact that we are on our smartphone all the time means that the application which is engaging us has successfully converted us using digital marketing.
How Does Digital Marketing Work in 2020?
If you have this far, then you really want to know what digital marketing is and how it works in 2020.
Don’t worry. We don’t plan to disappoint you either.
Digital Marketing comes in different shapes and sizes. These digital marketing strategies help you increase your conversion rates.
Conversion rates are the percentage of audiences that you have managed to convert into prospects or customers.
In fact, it all comes down to increasing your sales if you are selling a product or service.
Well, there’s also branding, awareness, engagement, leads, and all sorts of objectives that you can achieve through digital marketing.
It really depends on what you want to achieve.
So, let’s look at the big players in digital marketing that will help you reach your goals.
(*Note: I am only going to talk about online marketing strategies as you are more than familiar with offline methods.)
Here are the top 4 online marketing tactics to learn in 2020: