The Top 3 Digital Marketing Myths For Start-ups

With so much to know and learn when you get started, we tackle some of the most common myths to help you avoid the digital marketing traps and pitfalls.

Myth 1: If I build a website, Google will find me

New businesses can fall into the trap of thinking that once they go-live with their company website they will be instantly found on Google. Every business is competing for space on Page 1 - and they cannot all be there. The businesses that came before will have an established foothold on Google so it can be frustrating to get started.

The best advice for start-ups is to spread your website budget two-thirds for development and a third for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Hiring an SEO expert during the build will ensure that you follow the best SEO tactics right from the start and have a plan in place to get you moving to Page 1 right from going-live. 

Myth 2: My business has to be on every social media platform

It really doesn’t! There’s a common assumption it’s vital to have a presence on all of the most well-known social media platforms for appearances sake and that businesses will be missing out on crucial new customers if they don’t.

The skills, time and effort required to drive a worthy social media presence exceeds what many teams have available to them, particularly when they are starting out. 

Target only the one (or two) social media sites that align with your customer and marketing plan. For many that means starting out on social media gradually and focusing efforts on becoming an expert on just one platform. It’s quality over quantity that matters most.

Myth 3: Social media marketing doesn’t work

Linked to the last myth, businesses start out with energy for social media but discover quickly that their hard work results in few direct sales or leads. Those who have tried and failed can find themselves writing off social media entirely.

For a positive start to social media marketing, new businesses who think carefully about what they can bring to their customers and how they can actively take part in the conversation will be one step ahead. Be authentic and true to your brand values in your posts, videos and images.

Set your expectations that for direct sales and leads, social media advertising is a more reliable channel attract new customers. It takes time to build a following on your social media accounts. Invest your time and budget in social media advertising to get started.