In today's digital era, a solid digital marketing strategy is essential for business success. However, many businesses still wonder about the correct flow for implementing digital marketing. This article explains the digital marketing flow, why it should start with a website, and why relying solely on social media or existing marketplaces is not sufficient.

The Flow of Digital Marketing

Digital marketing flow is often depicted as a journey connecting brands with potential consumers through various digital channels. This flow includes:

1. Awareness: Creating brand or product awareness through SEO, paid advertisements, social media content, and more.

2. Consideration: Influencing consumer consideration with informative content such as blogs, product reviews, and case studies.

3. Conversion: Encouraging actions, like purchases or sign-ups, through effective landing pages, online forms, and clear calls to action (CTAs).

4. Retention: Maintaining customer relationships through email marketing, loyalty programs, and relevant content to encourage repeat purchases.

5. Advocacy: Encouraging satisfied customers to share their positive experiences through reviews, testimonials, and social media content sharing.

Why Start with a Website?

The website serves as the control center in the digital marketing flow. Here are some reasons why digital marketing strategies should begin with a website:

• Credibility and Trust: A website is your business's digital representation offering the first impression to visitors. A professional website can build greater credibility and trust compared to using just social media or marketplaces.

• Full Control: Owning a website means you have full control over branding, design, and user experience. Unlike social media or marketplaces, you can customize the look and functionality to suit your business needs.

• SEO and Visibility: Websites allow for better SEO optimization, increasing the likelihood of your business being found through Google searches. This is key to boosting traffic and online visibility.

• Data and Analytics: Websites provide access to in-depth analytical data, enabling you to understand visitor behavior and tailor your marketing strategy accordingly.

Why Aren’t Social Media or Marketplaces Enough?

Social media and marketplaces are important components of a digital marketing strategy, but they come with limitations:

• Dependence: Relying entirely on external platforms increases risks; algorithm changes or policy updates can drastically reduce your marketing reach or effectiveness.

• Limited Customization: The ability to customize brand and user experience is severely limited on social media and marketplaces.

• High Competition: In marketplaces, your product is amidst many competitors, making it more challenging to stand out.

By starting your digital marketing strategy with a website, you lay a strong foundation for building a cohesive and effective online presence. From there, social media and marketplaces can be used as additional channels to reach and interact with your audience, while directing them back to your website as the main hub of information and conversion.