✅ The Best Marketing Channels for Small Businesses

Hi Reader,

At this point, you’ve probably heard a lot of conflicting opinions about the best way to market your business. With an endless stream of opinions, advice, and new trends to keep up with, it's easy to feel lost or overwhelmed. Trust me, I understand. The world of digital marketing is anything but straightforward (that’s why I’m here 😃).

Among the topics you'll encounter differing advice on is where exactly to invest your time and resources. While the "perfect" strategy does depend on your business specifics, there are a few key channels that consistently prove their worth, especially for small businesses. These are the channels that, in my experience and observing the success of many small businesses, have shown to bring in reliable results.

So, let's take a closer look at these key channels and the reasons they are worth considering in your marketing strategy.

The best:

• Your Business Website: In a world where 71% of businesses have a website, yours needs to stand out. Your website is your digital storefront, often the first point of contact for potential customers. It's the platform where you can tell your story, showcase your offerings, and differentiate yourself from competitors. And most importantly, it’s the foundation of everything you do online.

• Email Marketing: Don't let anyone tell you that email is dead—it's more alive than ever. With a remarkable average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent, email marketing remains a highly effective way to connect with your audience on a personal level. Yes, it might take a while to get the wheels turning, but once it gains momentum, the results can quickly ramp up.

• Content Marketing: Offering value to your audience is the cornerstone of content marketing. By crafting and sharing relevant, engaging content, you are positioning yourself as an expert in your field, fostering trust and loyalty among your audience. It may seem like a long game (typically taking 12-18 months), but the returns on customer relationships and brand loyalty are worth the investment.

• SEO: When done right, SEO can offer sustainable growth and broad visibility for your business.. But SEO is not a one-time quick fix– it’s a continual commitment to publishing fresh, relevant content. Be wary of anyone promising you a top ranking for a small amount. If you're considering an SEO strategy, it's worth the investment, but be prepared for a committed, ongoing process. You should be thinking about a clearly defined approach with very specific outcomes. And bear in mind the cost—serious SEO efforts require a commitment of not less than $2,000/mo for at least 18 months. Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint, and it never truly ends.

The not-so-great:

• Paid Ads: While they can be effective under certain circumstances, paid ads might not be the most cost-effective approach for small businesses. The expenses can rapidly pile up, and unless you've honed your targeting and tracking techniques to perfection, your ROI might not meet your expectations. If you are considering this path, it's important to note that you should have an absolute minimum budget of $1,000 per month. Also, you should be ready to commit to at least nine months of campaigning, with individual campaigns typically lasting three months.

Of course, your ideal strategy will depend on your unique goals, audience, and resources, so take these broad trends as guidelines, not gospel. And remember, if you're seeking guidance on crafting an effective digital strategy tailored to your business, we're always here to help.

Best

Jono
vervology® founder