Imagine you’re a salesperson. Your goal is to attract customers and convert leads into sales.

You might have used cold calling, door-to-door sales, or even cold calling to find new customers thirty years ago.

These tactics are unlikely to be used today by many people. Most buyers, particularly B2B buyers, claim they won’t talk to a salesperson unless they’ve done their research.

Buyers aren’t answering cold calls but instead, they are looking at your digital presence. Buyers are scanning your website and social media profiles, as well as reviews from previous clients. Digital marketing in NYC can help customers find your services.

Digital marketing strategies that work will facilitate consumer research, establish brands and drive conversions.

2022 Small Business Digital Marketing Plan

• Social media is the most popular digital marketing tool. More than two-thirds (67%) of small businesses use social media for their digital marketing strategies.

• Small businesses discovered that social media (25%), a company website (20%), and online advertising (18%) were their most effective digital marketing tools in 2022.

• Despite its proven success video marketing is still not an integral part of digital marketing strategies. Only 6% of small businesses think it is effective in achieving their goals.

• 48 percent of small businesses still use email marketing. This indicates its value.

• Only 6% believe that SEO and content marketing is worth the effort, citing the inability to see immediate results.

2021 Small Business Digital Marketing Plan

• Nearly all small businesses (91%) dedicate resources to digital marketing functions. This is a clear indication of the importance and value of Miami digital marketing.
• Small businesses consider a company website to be the most important digital marketing in Phoenix strategy (51%) and they are an integral part of their marketing plans.
• Social media’s ability to boost brand awareness makes it a top choice for 34% of small businesses (73%)
• A quarter of small businesses (13%) will see a decrease in video marketing spending by 2021. Experts attribute this to production costs, remote coordination challenges, and in-house production options.
• 64 percent of small businesses that use email marketing (two-thirds) do so without any marketing or customer relationship management software. Experts believe that email marketing is not at its best when companies don’t have a CRM.
• In 2021, only 10% of small businesses plan to increase their SEO spending. This is partly due to the algorithmic advantage that larger brands have over smaller ones.

Nearly all small businesses dedicate resources to digital marketing

Digital marketing is an essential process for small businesses, regardless of whether it’s managed by in-house staff, an agency outside, or a software program.

In 2021, 9 out of 10 small businesses (91%) will allocate resources to digital marketing in Las Vegas activities.

Los Angeles internet marketing company can make a significant impact on a company’s bottom line.

Omid Semino, owner of Diamond Mansion is a jewel store. This is just one example where a small business owner is excited about digital marketing.

Semino stated that digital marketing has a lot to offer in today’s modern world. It is a smart decision to invest in digital marketing if you plan to go anywhere.

Small businesses need to balance their digital marketing goals with the COVID-19 impact. By focusing resources on digital marketing, small businesses can align themselves with consumers.

For small businesses, the most popular modern marketing channels vary

As the digital landscape changes, small businesses have changed their views on marketing channels in 2021 and 2022.

The Most In-demand Marketing Channel in 2021: Company Websites

Customers look at official websites to find out more about a company when researching businesses. Miami Web design agencies can help.

More than half (51%) of small businesses used websites as part of their digital marketing strategies in 2021.

Small businesses are most likely to use company websites as digital marketing channels.

It is important to have a company website.

• Online legitimization of your business
• Generate leads
• Create a brand

Experts believe small businesses can market themselves successfully without having a website. Marketing strategists like Andrew Clark, from digital marketing company Duckpin, believe that websites are crucial for any business engaged in digital marketing.

People will naturally want to find out more about your business, so they will search for it online. Clark stated that having a website will make your marketing more effective. A website is a great way to get local Google traffic.

“Regional businesses are missing out on valuable local Google traffic by not having websites.”

Small businesses will use company websites as their most important digital marketing channel in 2021. They provide a platform for their digital presence and help them to grow. However, in 2022 we discovered that social media was the most popular digital marketing channel.

Social Media: The 2022 Most Popular Marketing Channel

More than two-thirds (67%) of small businesses use social media as a channel for digital marketing.

A company website is still relevant but digital marketing is changing.

Reno Lovison is the owner of Reno Lovison Marketing. He believes that social media’s openness and community are the key selling points.

“Social media platforms allow people to interact and socialize with each other,” Lovison stated that if you have something to offer, you should be there. Social media is the digital equivalent of the street corner, shopping center, or marketplace in the analog universe.

“If you have something you can sell, you want to be there.

Emerging channels such as TikTok, which are being reinvested by more companies in social media tools, are the next step forward in digital marketing.

Lovison stated that “the shiny new toy” is always attractive and could be an opportunity for small businesses to make big splashes in a small pond.

No matter what social media tool your company uses, digital marketing is the future.

Online digital marketing channels are a great way to make small businesses succeed

Depending on their industry, small businesses might prefer certain marketing channels. However, the truth is that online is the most powerful channel.

Small businesses discovered that social media tools (25%), their company website (20%), and advertising through channels such as Google and Microsoft (18%) were their best options for achieving their business goals in digital marketing.

Small businesses can make use of them in many ways, regardless of their channel.

Social media boosts brand awareness

Social media is a great tool for small businesses to reach customers and create a strong brand identity.

22 percent of small businesses that plan to use social networking in 2021 say their primary goal is to increase brand awareness. This is more than any other motivation.

25% of small businesses (25%) think that social media has met this objective when they were asked in 2022.

Small businesses might attribute their success to social media, as they share the same goals.

Stephanie Brown, a social media coach and consultant at The Content Fixeder believes that small businesses can connect with their customers through social media.

Brown stated that social media allows for a deeper connection with your dream clients. “Other channels of marketing may not be able to allow you to build a trust-like relationship with people you are trying to reach.”

“Social media allows you to have a more intimate connection with your dream client.”

Social media marketing is a great way to market to companies that want to increase brand awareness. 

Companies’ Websites Get Recognized

Small businesses’ main selling point is their website. 20% of small businesses think that their website is the second most effective digital marketing tool after social networking.

A company website must include all product information and information that will draw customers in.

Jeremy Haug is the owner of Business Experts. He believes in website engagement.

Haug stated that “Your website is your online shop front” and that it can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line.

Small businesses should make their website a central part of their SMB marketing strategies.

Online Advertising Generates Buzz

Advertising is the only way to reach your target audience. Online advertising via social media, native, and PPC has grown in popularity.

Nearly 20% (18%) of small businesses found that online marketing was their third most effective digital marketing tool in reaching their goals for 2021.

There are many forms of online advertising:

• Native Advertising
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM).
• Display Advertising
• Mobile Advertising
• Social Advertising
• PPC

These types of advertising can be easily integrated into a digital marketing strategy.

Online advertising is crucial to your company’s presence, as more people are spending their time online.

Companies overlook the value of video marketing

COVID-19 has changed many businesses’ priorities. Digital marketing is not an exception. In the age of remote work, fewer businesses invest in video marketing.

A quarter of small businesses (19%) had plans to reduce their spending on video marketing by 2021.

Experts recommend that these 3 factors reduce the amount of money small businesses invest in video marketing.

• Production costs: Video marketing has been declining in popularity among small businesses due to high production costs. Hiring an agency to production and edit videos can be costly. This is a cost that small businesses might not be able to afford during the economic uncertainty of the pandemic.

• Remote coordination in COVID-19: Bob Bentz is the president of the Digital Marketing Agency Purplegator. He believes that video production projects during COVID are less popular and more challenging. Small businesses may find it difficult to shoot creative content while adhering to health-focused regulations and social distancing are all challenges.

• Access to tech support in-house: Bentz suggests that small businesses shoot video marketing content in-house if they are worried about production costs and coordination.
  The best thing about online video marketing is that you don’t need to produce a Steven Spielberg production. Bentz stated that shooting with your smartphone is enough to produce acceptable content.
  Research by Wave. video – Bentz supports Bentz’s claim that companies can produce video on their thanks to technological advancements and accessibility. This makes it easier to produce a video project with less time and money.

The best thing about online video marketing is that you don’t need to produce a Steven Spielberg production. You can create acceptable content by simply shooting with your smartphone.

Small businesses doubt the success of video

Companies found that video marketing was not effective in achieving their goals as they reduced their spending on it.

In 2022, only 6% of small businesses will consider video marketing their most effective digital marketing tool. 

Experts in digital marketing believe video is crucial to any strong strategy. Bentz believes now is the right time to invest in video marketing to differentiate your business. This is especially true if you are facing production difficulties and competitors who may be avoiding video.

Bentz stated, “It baffles me to think why an SMB would decrease video marketing spend in 2021 when it is so easy to rank in a search engine to video.”

Small businesses need to consider the potential benefits of video marketing as part of their overall strategy in 2022.

Videos can be a great way to reach new customers. Small businesses can make videos that are easy to digest on social media, promote their culture, and showcase their products.

Christian Velitchkov is a co-founder of Twiz LLC. He believes in the power and potential of video.

Velitchkob stated, “Don’t be afraid to use videos as part of your marketing strategy.” A viewer will be able to find more information about your product in a shorter time than any other source. Video content can also be shared with family and friends, which will help you expand your reach.

Even if video marketing fails, small businesses can still use it effectively.

In 2022, the majority of small businesses still use email marketing

Most people spend their weekdays in an inbox. Despite email fatigue plaguing the workforce, email marketing remains a powerful tool for businesses.

48 percent of small businesses still use email marketing (50%)       

Velitchkov stated that email marketing is still a powerful tool for marketing. But don’t be rude to your customer.

CRM and Email Software for Small Businesses

Many small businesses still use email marketing manuals, despite the availability of technology. 

The majority of small businesses investing in email marketing (64%) did so without any customer relationship management (CRM), or marketing software like HubSpot and Salesforce.

Small businesses may feel overwhelmed by the task of integrating and adapting to a CRM system. Digital marketing experts recommend that small businesses adopt marketing software as soon as possible.

Tina Fleming is a brand strategist at Digital Marketing Agency Designzillas. She suggests implementing a CRM system and learning how it can simplify processes.

Email marketing without a CRM is a mistake. Fleming stated that you are wasting money if your CRM is not working.

If you don’t have a CRM, you are wasting money.

Companies using CRMs discovered that they offer additional benefits.

• Customer knowledge
• Enhanced segmentation
• Communication is faster
• Data protection and privacy improved

CRMs can automate many processes that can benefit businesses. Experts recommend that small businesses use a CRM for email marketing shortly.

The 2021 Spending Plan for Small Businesses did not include SEO

Although search engine optimization is essential for organically rising on search results pages, most small businesses don’t intend to increase their SEO investments beyond 2021.

Only 10% of small businesses (11%) planned to spend more on SEO in 2021.

The current performance of SEO for small businesses did not encourage them enough to increase spending in related areas in 2021.

SEO results can take several months, unlike other digital marketing channels. Small companies have an algorithmic disadvantage against larger brands.

Despite the drawbacks of SEO, Jordan Peagler, partner at MKP Law Group LLP became a proponent over time. Peagler began to focus on SEO during the COVID-19 pandemic when his group was looking for new ways to connect with their clients.

Peagler stated, “We discovered in 2020 that investing in SEO greatly improved our site traffic and even brought in leads.” I recommend that businesses invest in SEO as it offers a great opportunity for potential customers to gain traffic and create lead channels.

Although small businesses might be reluctant to invest in SEO, executives can attest to its benefits.

Small businesses wrestle with SEO and Content Marketing Hesitations

Small businesses continue to be cautious about SEO and content marketing, despite having plans for 2022.

Only 6% believe that SEO or content marketing is successful in achieving their goals.

Although small businesses may be concerned about the time required to implement a content marketing strategy or SEO, it has proven results.

How does SEO impact revenue?

SEO’s most immediate benefits include generating traffic and ranking high in search result pages. Although these benefits can eventually lead to increased revenue, SEO will not directly increase revenue.

SEO is not the best way to generate revenue. If the value-add for small businesses is unclear, they may be discouraged from investing in SEO.

Matt Bertram, CEO of EWR Digital and SEO Strategist, recognizes the unique challenges that come with developing an SEO strategy but recommends small businesses continue to use SEO techniques.

Small businesses often feel disappointed by SEO, as it doesn’t provide them with an immediate sales boost. Bertram stated that this causes them to give SEO a low priority. “Small-business owners should seek the advice of an SEO expert to improve their SEO strategy. This will allow them to take a steady, slow approach that will yield long-term results.”

Small businesses often feel disappointed by SEO, as it doesn’t provide them with an immediate boost in sales. They tend to give SEO a low priority.

Bertram suggests that small businesses looking to increase their revenue through SEO should hire an agency to manage strategy and execution. Companies may be able to align SEO with their business goals better if they do this.

Employers must balance marketing tasks with other responsibilities.

Small businesses may not be able to afford digital marketing resources, but most employees in-house who help with digital marketing have other responsibilities.

These employees have to balance their marketing efforts with other tasks and cannot give digital marketing their full attention.

The 2020 Manifest revealed that digital marketing is more commonly handled by in-house staff than outsourcing to agencies or freelancers.

Richard Dedor is an executive marketing consultant who has seen many small businesses discuss the advantages of outsourcing digital marketing work to an agency that has specialized experience.

Dedor stresses the importance of getting to know your brand and keeping in touch with outsourced partners.

Dedor stated that “there will always be a space for a small company to engage an agency but that it only works when the small enterprise is willing to lift its weight.”

“There will always exist a place for small businesses to engage agencies, but this only works if the small business is ready to take on more responsibility.”

Dedor also encourages companies to check that a potential digital agency is capable of delivering. Asking critical questions about the agency’s system and strategy will be a benefit to small businesses.

Small businesses will continue to make strategic digital marketing decisions

Based on their 2021 results and 2022 business goals, small businesses will choose digital marketing channels and strategies strategically.

Nearly all small businesses dedicate resources to digital marketing. The following trends are evident in their digital marketing activities across channels:

• Small businesses love the official social media strategy.

• Small businesses believe that social media, their company website, and online advertising do a better job of achieving business goals than other channels.

• Despite the popularity of video content among consumers, small businesses are losing interest in video marketing.

• While the majority of small businesses that invest in email marketing do not use any CRM software or marketing software, they find it to be a highly effective channel for digital marketing.

• Because of the lack of immediate action, small businesses are reluctant to spend more on SEO and content marketing.

The future of digital marketing will be influenced by small business preferences.