I’ve met many business owners who find digital marketing especially frustrating. Most seem happy to have a go, but without a certain level of knowledge, it’s possible to spend a great deal of time (and money) in this area and get absolutely nowhere.
If that sounds all too familiar, stop right now and take a step back. Instead of spending hours this month fussing over social media efforts that aren’t working for you or creating blog posts that don’t seem to be attracting the right readers, spend that time educating yourself about the digital marketing landscape.
Take advantage of short workshops
There are multiple opportunities to learn about digital marketing. Aside from the popular short workshops offered regularly by the Sydney Hills Business Chamber (and our great one day Sales & Marketing Boot Camp on June 11 - there is an amazing range of workshops and short courses available in the area, including those offered by Council, TAFE and private enterprises.
Spending a few hours increasing your knowledge and skills could make all the difference to your results.
What should you learn?
Social media? SEO? Blogging? Pay per click advertising? Landing pages? Email marketing? If you’re not particularly familiar with any of these then the starting point is to learn about the digital marketing landscape in general.
That knowledge will then help you to identify which forms of digital marketing and which platforms and strategies are likely to offer the best opportunities for your business.
Once you’ve identified these, the next step is to learn how to use your chosen methods effectively. Develop a plan, set goals, and measure your results to ensure you stay on track and aren’t wasting time or money.
Network for learning
Another excellent way to learn about what works is to learn from other business owners. If you’re part of a business networking group like the Sydney Hills Business Chamber you’ll find topics like digital marketing come up frequently.
While what works for someone else’s business might not necessarily work for yours, it’s always worthwhile hearing about the experiences of others.
Some of our Chamber members are absolute dynamos when it comes to doing their own marketing, and of course we have other members who specialise in marketing, digital marketing, SEO, social media and blogging.
If you don’t learn a thing or two from casual conversations during regularly networking with our members I’d be very surprised!
Sales & marketing boot camp
Earlier I mentioned our annual Sales & Marketing Boot Camp. If you’d like to learn about sales and marketing strategies, using Facebook and LinkedIn, or implementing a business marketing plan, this could be the perfect opportunity. Speakers at the event include John Lees, Darren Coombes, Tom Skotidas and Rod Matthews.
You don’t need to be a Chamber member to attend this event, but you will need to be quick – bookings close on June 8 and the event is on June 11.
It’s just $165 for an entire day of learning, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea included. You can book online or email events@sydneyhillsbusiness.com.au
You’ll find details of all the Chamber events at www.sydneyhillsbusiness.com.au
