Digital marketing has become an inseparable part of modern business, acting as a critical element in the competitive market landscape. As businesses strive to enhance their online presence and connect with consumers, crafting a robust digital marketing strategy becomes pivotal. However, it's crucial to differentiate between strategy and tactics before diving into the pillars of digital marketing strategy.

A digital marketing strategy is a broad, future-oriented plan with a defined business goal. It outlines the course of action to achieve these goals using various digital marketing channels like social media, email marketing, and SEO. On the other hand, tactics are specific actions within the strategy aimed at achieving these objectives. For example, a strategy might dictate a push towards greater social media engagement, the tactics could include a social media contest, influencer partnerships, or increased video content.

Let's delve into the key pillars of a digital marketing strategy and the necessary steps to create one:

Identify Your Audience: Start by understanding your target audience's demographics, interests, and behaviors. Research tools like Google Analytics, social media analytics, and customer surveys can help establish this audience profile. A clearly defined audience is critical to tailor your content and marketing messages effectively.

Set Clear Goals: Determine what you want to achieve through your digital marketing efforts. The objectives could be increasing brand awareness, boosting website traffic, generating leads, or improving sales. Ensure these goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).

Choose the Right Channels: Once you know who your audience is and what you want to achieve, decide which platforms and channels are most likely to facilitate this. Different channels serve different purposes. For example, Facebook is excellent for brand awareness, LinkedIn works best for B2B marketing, and Instagram can showcase your products visually. Don't forget TikTok for younger audiences, for example.

Utilize Ad Networks: Take advantage of ad networks such as AdMaven or social media advertising platforms. A great ad network allows you to reach a wider audience beyond your organic reach, target users based on specific demographics, and re-target individuals who have already interacted with your brand. Ad networks can significantly boost your visibility and help achieve your conversion goals more rapidly.

Create Valuable Content: It's been years since the phrase "Content is King" was coined, and it's still very true. Whether it's blog posts, social media updates, email newsletters, or videos, your content should provide value to your audience. It must resonate with them, answer their queries, and engage them, prompting them to take the desired action.

SEO and Keywords: Your digital strategy must incorporate search engine optimization (SEO). Identify relevant keywords related to your business and integrate them into your content to improve search engine rankings. A well-optimized website attracts more organic traffic, which can be converted into customers.

Take a Look at Data and Analytics: Continual improvement is a cornerstone of a successful digital marketing strategy. Use data analytics tools to track your campaigns' performance and analyze audience behavior. This analysis can help you determine which adjustments are needed for enhanced effectiveness and ROI.

Mobile first: Mobile optimization is no longer optional. Ensure your website, content, and ads are mobile-friendly, providing a seamless experience for users on the go. Moreover, make sure all your apps and content are optimized for mobile phones BEFORE they are optimized for desktop computers. Most of the online traffic these days comes from smartphones.

Talk to them: Digital marketing is not just about broadcasting content. Talk to the people! Engage with your audience through comments, messages, and feedback. This interaction fosters a sense of community and can cultivate customer loyalty.

Plan and Budget: Develop a timeline for your strategies and allocate resources accordingly. While digital marketing can be cost-effective, it's still essential to budget your efforts to ensure a positive return on investment.

Stay Current with Technology and AI Trends: With the rapid advancement in technology, new tools and platforms are continually emerging in the digital landscape. It's essential to stay informed of these developments and incorporate them into your strategy where applicable.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is particularly hot these days. From image generation to improved customer service, AI can optimize your digital marketing efforts and significantly enhance user experience. Leveraging AI and staying current with technology not only future-proofs your strategy but also provides a competitive edge in the dynamic digital marketplace.