According to Datareportal.com, 1 out of 3 Kenyans have access the internet and more than 10 million are on social media. These numbers are definitely growing every minute. The market is heading where the numbers are, online, and so should you.

Digital Marketing is the process of promoting products or services through digital channels, such as search engines, social media platforms, email, websites and even SMS. It involves establishing a brand’s online presence, raising awareness, appeal and generating leads which is the process of identifying potential customers for a business.

The internet made accessing information much cheaper and precise which means you access the info you want. The same applies to digital marketing. Not only is it cheaper than traditional channels such as TV, radio and print media, but it also allows you to target the people who are most likely to respond positively, your target audience. It is a cost-effective way to reach out to a large audience, and its impact is measurable which means you can work out your ROI (Return on Investment)! Lead generation is also easier, cheaper, equally measurable and is generally considered the most important step of digital marketing.

So what do you need to get started with digital marketing?
First, you need a digitally marketable brand… because the online world responds differently from offline. A good brand identity allows for constant visuals, voice and messaging across various digital channels which is good for marketing. Second is establishing a strong online presence that includes a business listing on channels such a Google and, most importantly, marketable website and social media profiles.

A good website should be digitally marketable i.e. optimized for search engines. A website that is optimized for search engines will rank higher on search engine result pages, making it easier for potential customers to find. In addition, having a website that is user-friendly and provides valuable content can help increase conversions and lead generation. It should also be responsive, easily viewable across all devices because a large number of people access the internet via mobile devices.

Social media is another important component of digital marketing. With billions of active users on social media platforms, businesses can reach out to a large audience. This audience size plus the engaging nature of social media makes it ideal for generating leads. Social media allows businesses to engage with their target audience, build relationships, and promote their products or services.

Content marketing is also a powerful tool for lead generation. By creating valuable and relevant content, businesses can attract potential customers to their website and social media platforms. Content can include blog posts, infographics, videos, and more. The key is to provide content that is useful and informative to the target audience.

Finally we have brand and content promotion or ads. This is a cornerstone of digital marketing because of the realitive ease and efficiency in which this is done. By creating an ad or any form of promotional content, one can choose the target audience, frequency and most importantly, the budget. Most digital platforms that offer ad and promotional services usually work with what you have and have a relatively low minimum charge.

In conclusion, digital marketing is essential for businesses that want to succeed in today’s digital age. By developing a good brand, creating a strong online presence through website optimization, social media, and content marketing, businesses can effectively reach out to a large audience and generate leads. So, if you want your business to thrive in the digital world, make sure you invest in digital marketing.