Although most people think they know all the technical terms for media, marketing, digital production, advertising, etc., that isn’t always the case. Digital media is defined as any form of media distributed via an electronic device. The media can then be modified, viewed, distributed, and created, also using electronic devices. Although there are many uses for digital media, the main ones are for use in software, videos, social media, online advertising, video games, and websites.
Traditional Paper Advertising Versus Digital Media Marketing
Digital media is part of everyone’s daily life; however, not many business owners are comfortable using or creating it. There is no denying that it continues to change how we publish, entertain, and yes, even educate the masses. Therefore, it is a necessary medium for any marketing strategy. You don’t have to give up paper and pen, but you do have to learn how to communicate effectively with the use of digital media through digital devices to thrive in the future.
What Are the Advantages of Digital Media?
Although we see digital media daily, it can actually be undervalued. Many small businesses wonder how digital media marketing can help their business succeed. Digital media helps in three main ways: It engages social interaction, levels the playing field for small businesses, and influences how consumers find their products and services.
Digital Media Engages Social Interaction
Never before has connecting been so accessible for people around the world. Reports state that as many as seven out of ten Americans use social media. Social media helps people maintain and make new friendships regardless of differences. It opens up a whole new world for people who were once limited to interacting with their local communities. It is apparent what social media does for the individual. But what are the advantages of using it for businesses?
An Emotional Charge
People are social beings by creation, which means that they have an inherent need to be emotionally connected to others. Emotions make people more invested. As a small business owner, when you can touch people on an emotional level, they are more apt to make a lasting connection. Businesses that can find a way to have shared moments with the consumer not only grab attention; they also build customer loyalty and brand awareness.
Social Media Builds Brand Awareness
When you connect with potential and current customers and make an emotional tie, you build brand awareness and loyalty. Something as small as offering discounts can make them feel appreciated and encourage them to either try your product or service or continue to be a loyal customer. Customers also want reciprocality. When they mention a brand in their post, 45% reported that they wanted their comment to receive a like, 45% hoped that it would lead to a discount, and 30% wanted their post to be shared on the brand’s social media platform.
It’s a Give and Take
Social media is not just something that the consumer wants to be fed – they want to engage. This means they are willing to initiate a conversation or to foster your brand. But this can’t be a one-way street. That is why it is important to monitor your social media continually. Reach out and thank those who are willing to sing your praises, and they will. When they do, it is one of the best referrals you can have.
Digital Media Levels the Playing Field with Big Business
One of the things that the internet does best is leveling the playing field for small businesses and big businesses alike. There was a time when you needed a huge marketing team and an even larger marketing budget to beat the competition. The larger a company got, the harder it was to compete with them. Digital media is a way to break through barriers and connect directly with your audience without a million-dollar budget.
Digital Media Helps Marketing
Media is one of the best tools available for marketing your small business and local store. That means you can increase your local sales and presence while selling online. When you use digital media to connect and engage, it is like bringing your store to the viewer. You no longer have to be a brick-and-mortar only – you can open your sales up to the world. The key is to use digital media properly and excite potential consumers.
Digital Media Influences How Consumers Shop
Statistics tell us that the average American spends more than 24 hours weekly online. An estimated one trillion searches are performed annually and more than eight billion Facebook videos are watched every day. Many consumers are no longer walking the malls to find what they want – they are perusing the internet. If you can reach potential consumers where they live, you can make a sale. It is really that simple. But you can’t do it if you don’t have an online presence.
What Are the Three Types of Digital Media?
Now that we have defined what digital media is and why you need it, it’s important to understand the three different types. Digital media can be broken down into owned media, paid media, and earned media.
What is Owned Digital Media?
Owned digital media is an online asset that you control that is unique and created by your brand. Digital media platforms comprise your social media channels, videos, blogs, websites, etc.. By enhancing your owned media with the use of SEO, you can gain visibility. The more you have, the more visible you can be. All of your owned media ties into your brand authority and your search engine rankings. At the heart of owned media is content creation and its value and quality.
What is Paid Digital Media?
The purpose of paid media is to promote your online content and drive traffic to your owned media. Services like local ads, PPC, paid search ads, Facebook ads, and display ads are all tactics you can use to tie into your owned media. Although paid media costs money, you can reach a wider audience when you use it properly. PPC management is the key to being able to direct your niche market to your website. Paid digital media is a perfect way to enhance the other types of digital media strategies.
What is Earned Digital Media?
Earned digital media is free advertising that you gain from your customers. When a customer gives a referral to your business via social media, testimonials, word of mouth, re-posts, shares, etc., that is the best advertising there is. Earned digital media is one of the most effective ways to grow your brand and gain authority. The key, however, is to monitor it closely. Unlike the other forms of digital media, you have very little control over what others say publicly about your company. If you do all that you can to maintain quality control, it is one of your best tools.
What Is the Difference Between Digital Marketing and Digital Media?
Most people use the terms “digital marketing” and “digital media” interchangeably, but they are very different. The main difference is that digital marketing is the practice of inserting content via the proper channels to reach your customers. Digital media differs because it is the content and assets themselves. Media refers to the various digital platforms, such as social media, websites, email, and any way that you interact socially on the internet. Digital marketing is used with the intent to help foster your digital platforms and digital media.
Digital Media Marketing – Do You Need It?
When people are looking for a product or service, they head straight to the internet. If you want to maintain your edge and gain an advantage over the competition, you have to have a digital presence, as well as a website. You need all hands on deck working toward the same goal. Digital marketing will help you reach a larger audience in a way that is both cost-effective and measurable. Businesses that use digital marketing services increase their overall sales and profits, which is why you are in business in the first place. Through the use of digital media, as provided by A Digital Media Company, you can take your marketing efforts to the next level and beyond. If you aren’t using digital media, you’re missing the boat. Contact A Digital Media Company in Aiken today to get started!
