This week, we dive deep into the world of digital marketing for small businesses with the incredible Barb Davids, a digital marketing coaching guru. Barb shares her journey from corporate marketing in the furniture industry to becoming a freelance digital marketing expert, offering actionable insights and practical advice that you can implement right away to boost your business’s online presence.
The Challenges of Small Business Marketing
As small business owners, we often find ourselves bombarded with marketing advice and solutions. Unfortunately, many of these come with hefty price tags and empty promises. Host Harlon Pickett opens the episode discussing the frustrations of dealing with marketing promises that rarely deliver. Barb and Harlon acknowledge the common feeling of being overwhelmed by the jargon and technical terms thrown around in the marketing world. This is especially challenging for small businesses trying to navigate their marketing strategies without clear guidance.
The Importance of Transparency in Marketing
Barb emphasizes the need for transparency in marketing practices, sharing her frustration with past experiences where she was not informed about marketing processes. This lack of transparency in her corporate career inspired Barb to ensure that her own clients receive clear, actionable advice. She believes in being upfront about what is being done, why it’s being done, and how it benefits the business. This approach not only builds trust but also empowers business owners to make informed decisions.
Building a Strong Online Presence
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the importance of having a visually appealing website that delivers high-quality content. Barb explains that while a beautiful design can catch a visitor’s eye, it’s the content that keeps them engaged and encourages conversions. She stresses that a website should not just look good but also be functional and informative. An attractive website with poor content is like a beautiful store with empty shelves – it fails to serve its purpose.
The Power of Blogging for SEO
One of the key takeaways from this episode is the power of blogging for search engine optimization (SEO). Barb highlights that blogging is essential for driving organic traffic and providing content for other marketing channels. She advises that small business owners should start with creating valuable blog content that answers the questions their target audience is asking. This not only improves search engine rankings but also establishes the business as an authority in its field. Barb explains that blogs can be repurposed into social media posts, newsletters, and even podcast topics, making them a versatile tool in any marketing strategy.
Tailored Marketing Strategies
Barb discusses the significance of tailored marketing strategies based on the type of business and target audience. She provides examples of how different businesses can use various marketing channels effectively. For instance, one of her clients sells a breast pumping shirt and focuses solely on Google Ads, while another client finds success through blog posts and guest posting. This approach highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all in marketing – strategies must be customized to fit the unique needs and goals of each business.
Outsourcing Marketing Tasks
Another crucial point Barb makes is the value of outsourcing tasks that a business owner may not excel at, such as bookkeeping or copywriting, to focus on core business activities. She shares her own experience of quickly outsourcing tasks she disliked, such as bookkeeping and copywriting. By doing so, she could focus on what she does best – helping clients with their digital marketing strategies. Barb suggests that small business owners should not hesitate to seek external help for areas outside their expertise to ensure that all aspects of their business run smoothly and efficiently.
Practical Advice for Small Business Owners
Barb offers several practical tips throughout the episode:
- Start with a Blog: A blog is foundational for SEO and can be repurposed for various content channels.
- Be Transparent: Ensure you understand what your marketing team is doing and why.
- Invest in a Good Website: It should be visually appealing and content-rich.
- Tailor Your Strategy: Customize your marketing efforts to fit your specific business needs.
- Outsource When Necessary: Don’t hesitate to get help for tasks you aren’t skilled at.
This episode of the Health and Wealth Power Hour with Barb Davids is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for small business owners looking to enhance their digital marketing efforts. From the importance of transparency and a visually appealing website to the power of blogging for SEO and tailored marketing strategies, Barb provides a wealth of knowledge that can help you take your business to the next level.
For more expert advice and to learn how Barb can help you with your digital marketing, visit Compass Digital Strategies. Don’t forget to check out her podcast and other resources available on her website.