In the digital-first era, where 64.6% of the world’s population is online, having a strong brand’s online presence has emerged as the key to a brand’s success in 2023. Whether the target is a startup laying its initial digital foundation or an established business wanting to increase its online visibility, the value of a solid digital identity must be balanced.
But how can a business move from having a hardly audible brand in the vast online abyss to becoming a household name recognized by hundreds of people, if not millions?
Taking your company from obscurity to prominence in six months is an alluring promise. Let’s start by tracing the trajectory.
Ways to Maximize Brand’s Online Presence
1. Know Where You Start
Before you make your brand bigger online, you must find out where you are right now. Think of it as going on a trip without a map or starting point. That wouldn’t work. It’s the same idea here.
First, check all your online stuff. Use tools like Google Analytics to see how many people visit your website daily. Is it 50, 500, or 5,000? Then, look at your followers on platforms like Instagram or Twitter.
Websites like SocialBlade can tell you how fast you’re growing and how much people engage with you. When you understand these starting numbers, you can make a plan that makes sense and sets the stage for big growth. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about building a strong foundation for the journey ahead.
2. Setting Clear Digital Goals
Going online without clear goals is like setting sail without a map. That number ‘100,000’ isn’t just a fancy figure; it’s about what that number means for your brand.
Is it 100,000 people visiting your website every month, having 100,000 followers on social media, or getting mentioned 100,000 times in online conversations?
Once you know what your ‘100,000’ represents, break it down using SMART goals:
- Specific: Be clear about what you want, like more Twitter fans or blog readers.
- Measurable: Use tools like Google Analytics for your website or Hootsuite for social media to keep track.
- Achievable: Dream big, but make sure it’s possible. If you want 100,000 Instagram followers, check how fast you’re growing. Can you get there?
- Relevant: Your goals should make sense for your brand. If you’re a tech company, maybe Pinterest isn’t the best platform for you. Choose wisely.
- Time-bound: You’ve got six months, so plan it out. We could aim for a 20% increase in followers every month.
With this roadmap, each step you take will bring you closer to that big success.
3. Boost Your Brand with Great Content
Content is King!
Content is super important; it’s like the heartbeat of your brand. It helps you connect with your audience and keeps the conversation going.
Want to connect? Figure out what kind of content your audience loves. Check out the data. See which blogs they spend time on and which social posts they enjoy. This will help you create content they’ll enjoy.
Now, here’s a little secret. Some types of content get noticed online:
- Infographics: They turn big and boring data into cool pictures that people like to share.
- Lists: Stuff like “Top 10 tips…” or “5 must-have tools…” give quick and useful information.
- How-to guides: Teach your audience something new, and they’ll appreciate it.
- Personal stories: Share real stories about the good times, the tough times, and everything. People will remember your brand.
Making awesome content isn’t just a smart move; it’s a way to show your audience that you care about them.
4. Use Social Media to Grow Quickly
Social media can make your brand famous fast. But you need to choose the right platform. Do your customers use LinkedIn because they’re professional? Or are they more into TikTok and Instagram because they’re younger?
Work with social media stars, but be careful. It’s about more than how many followers they have. Look at how much people talk to them. Someone with 10,000 active fans can be better than someone with 100,000 followers who doesn’t care.
Here are some more tips for growing without spending money:
- Post at the right times: Be consistent and know when your audience is online.
- Get people involved: Use polls or Q&As to talk to your followers. It’s fun and keeps them interested.
- Build a community: Reply to comments, use your brand’s hashtags, and create a friendly atmosphere. Turn followers into loyal fans.
With a good social media plan, you can prepare for big, long-lasting growth.
5. Getting the Most from Paid Advertising
Think of social ads. You only pay when someone is interested enough to click. Social ads are like customized posters in a community center, shown only to people who care.
Here’s how to make sure your ads work well:
- Be specific: If you’re selling handmade candles, aim your ads at ‘handmade craft lovers’ or ‘home decor enthusiasts,’ not everyone.
- Test things out: Try two different ads, like one with a family picture and another with just candles. See which one gets more attention, and use that style more.
- Set a budget: Decide how much you’ll spend each day, maybe $10. See what happens, and if it’s working, you can spend more.
- Keep an eye on the numbers: The platforms give you information, like how many people clicked and how long they stayed. Pay attention to these numbers and change your strategy if they need to be better.
In simple terms, spend your money wisely, keep an eye on the results, make adjustments, and keep doing it. Every penny you spend should bring you something in return.
6. Checking, Measuring, and Adjusting
Why do we track things? Well, think about planting a seed. If you don’t check on it, how do you know if it’s growing? It’s the same with your brand. Tracking helps you see what’s working.
Here are some tools you can use: There are free tools like Google Analytics. It’s like a super zoom for your website. You can see where people come from and what they do on your site. And for social media, tools like Hootsuite can help.
When should you make changes? Let’s say you notice that fewer people click on your stuff at 3 p.m. Or maybe you had a post that got a lot of likes on a Tuesday. If you see these patterns, it’s time to do something about it. It’s like giving your plant water when the soil is dry. Pretty simple, right?
Brands should always think about their audience and be ready to change based on feedback and what the numbers tell them. It’s all about going from unknown to famous, and in just six months, you can see your brand really take off.
Sum Up
In the digital-first landscape of 2023, a robust digital presence is paramount for a brand’s success, given the global online population. This journey from obscurity to prominence begins with a thorough assessment of your current online status and the establishment of clear, SMART digital objectives. Engaging content creation is your brand’s heart, enabling effective audience connection. Leveraging suitable social media platforms, influencers, and community engagement can catapult your brand into the spotlight.
Paid advertising, like social ads, can be potent tools when utilized wisely, ensuring each investment contributes to brand growth. Continuous monitoring, measurement, and adaptation must align with audience preferences and trends. With dedication and strategic execution, any brand can transition from obscurity to fame within six months, thriving in the digital-first era.