When we browse the web or social media, what we see each day is the logo, the photos, and the products/services.
However, what we don’t see is the digital marketing strategy.
I’ve learned, though, that in order to build an influential brand online, you have to approach it as if you were building a house!
What an analogy, right?
Well, here’s the secret breakdown.
Remember that house that you would draw in kindergarten?
It looked like this.
Yes, this is an enhanced version of the drawings your parents had on the fridge at home but you get the gist!
Even as a kid, you inherently knew what was important to create a realistic house:
Now, using those same elements, I’m going to reveal what the digital marketing “house” analogy is.
Are you ready for the explanation?
Just like a house needs to have certain elements to be liveable, a blogger’s digital marketing strategy needs to incorporate certain internet marketing methods in order to build an influential brand.
These crucial elements/methods are:
So let’s look at the visual of the house again, and then let’s explore the positioning of each method and why it’s important to your digital marketing.
In its simplest form, branding is the roof of your blog!
It’s the name, logo, color palette, tone, messaging and standard of your online space.
It’s who you are, what your blog represents and how you want your brand to be perceived.
Everything you create falls in line with these things, which keeps your image consistent across all online platforms. And as stated on Entrepreneur.com, “Consistent, strategic branding leads to a strong brand equity.” That simply means that with consistent branding comes recognition and a certain reputation.
For example, you know what a Coke is and you know that Coke has a very specific taste plus cost in the grocery store.
But it’s not just the pretty visuals and wordsmith finesse that makes you stand out as a brand.
An in-depth understanding of your reader – what problems they have and what solutions they need – helps your blogging platform be effective, which leads me to the next point – the foundation of your online presence, which is search engine optimization.
Every house needs a foundation in order to stand so why would your blog be any different?
Search Engine Optimization, which is a key part of search marketing, is a free and strategic way to increase the amount and quality of traffic your blog receives.
In order to successfully build this foundation for your blogging platform, you need to understand:
With this information, you can make sure that your entire online presence is targeting your ideal reader. If you choose to open a creative business as well or later, you’ll also know the best way to attract your ideal customer.
In a nutshell, search engine optimization will connect you with your tribe intentionally and on auto-pilot!
Because people are always searching for answers! You just need to make sure that your content is positioned well for them to find it.
Speaking of content…there’s no doubt that its king!
In fact, referencing the digital marketing house analogy every blogger needs to create an influential brand, you can see that content is the window of your online presence.
It’s the eyes of the operation!
Ever heard the quote:
The eyes are the window to the soul.
Bingo! Your content allows your ideal reader to see what value you bring to the table and builds trust before they commit to following, or even buying.
One more thing, though, with all the different forms of content available to us today, how do you decide what type of content you should do to connect with your tribe?
Well, that answer actually lies within your SEO brand discovery.
How?
When you know what answers your ideal reader is looking for, what words they use to search and what type of content they consume, you also know what forms of content to create!
Check out this example.
If your blog’s ideal reader is the 25-34 year-old woman who is attached to her iPhone and is always on Twitter and YouTube, then your content should consist of videos and blog posts.
But, you may ask, doesn’t everyone search on Google?
I’m glad you said something!
Let’s talk about the bones of your online blogging platform – your website.
Despite the current controversy, a website is the structure that upholds your branding and connects it to your ideal reader who is searching for the content you have to offer.
Not only that, it’s something you OWN!!
A website is your real estate online.
You can control it, design it, and promote it how you see fit.
It’s an element of digital marketing that Google (and other search engines) can rank, it’s shareable on any online platform, and it’s the place your ideal reader can visit time and time again to find their solutions.
Your website is your home.
That is not optional! It’s a major key *in my DJ Khaled voice.
Case closed.
So now you have your foundation, your structure, and your windows but you still need a door – a way for your ideal reader to enter your online residence.
That, girlfriend, is your email marketing list.
It’s the way you get your reader to grab a cup of coffee, so they can sit and chat for a while.
This is how you build rapport and nurture a relationship.
This is how you build trust!
And when someone trusts you, they are more likely to buy from you 😌 #facts.
Last but not least, we have the love of our lives – social media.
Yes, it is a core element of building an influential brand as a blogger.
BUT pay attention now – it’s the chimney, aka the ventilation system for your online presence.
It’s the element of your digital marketing that you use to let your ideal audience know that you are alive, well and human!
Better yet, think of social media as a networking event you are attending as a brand.
Like I said in the beginning, the hard work it takes to build an influential brand isn’t obvious.
But this is the blueprint to create effective digital marketing for your blog.
Take it.
Use it.
And win, sis!
I’ve got to admit, it’s been too long. I miss creating content, and I miss y’all – my readers and followers. It’s been 4 years
Honestly, I struggle with pricing my products. And as an entrepreneur, am I even allowed to admit that out loud? Even as I write this
So you want to start buying from Black-owned businesses… Here’s a doable way that you can! Start with one (1) purchase. No matter how big
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Tamara Sykes
A digital marketer dedicated to helping you create a business and life that you love.
