Marketing certainly isn’t what it used to be. Now, the internet rules and businesses must master the art of inbound and outbound digital marketing techniques.

Keep reading for some simple tips that can help you take your small business to the next level.

1. Content Is Still King  

One of the most important assets any small business owner can develop is valuable, relevant content. This includes blog articles, social media posts, infographics, webinars, and anything that helps build trust and a lasting relationship with your target audience.

2. Know Your Audience  

Of course, none of your content will be effective if you don’t know who you’re communicating with. Do your due diligence, and research your target audience. Know what problems they have and design your content around targeted solutions.

3. Make Your Content Accessible

A majority of consumers now turn to their mobile devices when they want to learn more about a product or service. If your content isn’t optimized for a mobile audience, then you’ll severely limit your conversions. Make sure that your content is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices.

4. Interact with Your Audience

Unfortunately, far too many business owners get camera shy when asked to communicate with their audience. However, webinars and “Ask Me Anything” sessions are a great way to share valuable content directly with your target audience. If you aren’t comfortable speaking on camera, find an employee who is!

5. Get Acquainted with SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is what makes your website and content visible to search engines – and in turn – your target audience. Take a crash course on keywords and learn what your target audience is typing into the search bar when they’re searching for the solution you provide. Then, create content that’s directly in line with their needs.

6. Design Funnels that Convert

Your website is there for a reason – which is usually to generate sales or interest in something. Build your site and content with the purpose of taking your audience on a journey that ends with them taking action, or converting.

7. Do Your Due Diligence with Split Testing

It may seem like a scary concept for some small business owners, but looking into A/B (or split) testing can be the difference between success and failure. This involves testing changes on a website to see whether the audience reacts better to the original or the new designs. Doing this helps you understand what works, and to stop wasting time on what doesn’t.

8. Don’t Neglect Social Media

More than 72% of Americans use some sort of social media. They check their feeds daily and interact with friends and businesses on a regular basis. So, it only makes sense that small business owners build active social media pages, and target ads to reach consumers.

9. Build a Double-Opt-In Email List

With new privacy laws in effect, it’s important to build an email list that’s authentic and compiled of your target audience. So, put out exceptional content, and include an opt-in for a newsletter or regular sales. After they’ve signed up for the initial content, make sure to send an additional confirmation before adding them to your list. This keeps you in compliance and makes sure that your email list is truly engaged.