Digital Marketing Basics for Startups
When you're building a startup, digital marketing isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it's a must. In a recent workshop, startup mentor and entrepreneur Rich Foreman broke down why mastering digital marketing is crucial for getting your business off the ground. If you're a founder or working on a new project, here’s a rundown of what you need to know.
Why Digital Marketing is Non-Negotiable
No matter how incredible your product is, if people can't find you online, you basically don’t exist. Rich used a great example: Imagine someone in Montana needs your solution. The first thing they’re going to do is search for it on Google. If your company doesn’t pop up, that’s a lost opportunity.
The takeaway? Your startup needs to be visible online, and that starts with a solid digital marketing strategy.
Core Areas of Digital Marketing for Startups
Your Website is Your First Impression: Your website is like your startup’s digital business card—it’s the first thing potential customers check. So, it needs to look good, work well, and be easy to navigate, especially on mobile. Also, pick a company name and domain that’s easy to remember and spell. You don’t want people struggling to find you just because your name is confusing!
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO is a major factor in whether people can find your website. Technical SEO focuses on things like page speed and mobile-friendliness, while local SEO helps you get found in specific regions through tools like Google Business Profile. Rich stressed that setting up a Google Business Profile should be a top priority if you have a physical address—it can push you onto the first page of search results locally.
Content Marketing: Good content is what drives SEO. Posting regular, high-quality blogs or articles that include relevant keywords will help boost your website in search rankings over time. It’s also a great way to establish your brand as an expert in your field. Rich pointed out that it’s a marathon, not a sprint—you might not see immediate results, but with consistency, it’ll pay off.
Social Media Marketing: Social media is another must-have. The trick is knowing your audience and picking the right platform. LinkedIn is perfect for B2B, while Instagram and TikTok are great for reaching younger, B2C audiences. Post regularly (ideally daily), engage with your followers, and use your social media profiles to drive traffic back to your website.
Influencer Marketing: For startups, working with micro-influencers (those with fewer than 100,000 followers) is a budget-friendly way to get the word out. These influencers often accept free products in exchange for promoting your brand, and they can help you build credibility with their audiences.
Personal Branding is Key
As a founder, your personal brand is just as important as your startup’s. People want to connect with real humans, not just faceless companies. Rich advises networking as much as possible, writing content (like blogs or articles), and even considering writing a book to establish yourself as a thought leader.
Wrapping It Up
The key message from Rich’s workshop is that digital marketing takes time, effort, and strategy. But if you start building your online presence early—especially during the product development phase—you’ll have a leg up when it’s time to launch.
Remember, digital marketing is an investment in your startup’s future. The sooner you get started, the better your chances of being found by the people who need what you’re building!
