Digital marketing can be tough, even for those in quiet niches. When your business falls into a competitive market, it can be even more of a challenge to get ahead online.
Digital Marketing Strategies for Competitive Niches
Whether you are battling to compete with large etailers or you are one of hundreds in a busy industry, there are a few ways that digital marketing can help you stand out. Some of the ways that you can use digital marketing to stand out even in a very crowded and competitive niche include the following:
Focus on your strengths
Many brands have managed to hold their own against mega retailers and globally-known brands. One way that they achieve this is to not try and compete directly but rather focus on what they are able to bring to the table. Small brands have a few advantages over big brands, ranging from a personalised approach to the ability to customise and adapt more quickly to client needs, as well as better customer service in many cases. What does your business offer that your competitors are not able to offer?
Know your competition
Do you know what other businesses in your niche are doing to get ahead? Competitive analysis is a powerful tool that allows you to gain critical insight into your competitor’s strategies. This is especially useful for SEO, as it helps you identify keywords that you may not have considered. It also helps you develop your own strategy while staying abreast of the competition.
Aim for a cross channel strategy
One of the biggest mistakes that many small businesses make when trying to compete against larger players is not diversifying their digital strategy sufficiently. When you focus all of your time and budget on one or two channels rather than aiming for a diversified yet integrated strategy, you run the risk of putting all your eggs in one basket. Instead, aim for a well-rounded digital strategy that incorporates SEO, email marketing, social media, lead generation, mobile marketing, and even digital branding.
Build relationships
Another way that you can differentiate is to put effort into building your relationships. As we mentioned above, not every business is able to provide a high level of service. When you are able to not only provide world-class service to your customers but you also take the time to get to know them, you have more chance of gaining referrals and recommendations, as well as repeat business. This, in turn, helps you begin to grow your reputation. Some of the ways that you can drive relationships include listening to customers, taking the time to comment, sending personalised emails, answering questions on groups and forums, and taking the time to connect with your audience.
That does not mean that standing out is a quick fix, of course. But, with a bit of creative thinking and a well-rounded digital marketing approach, you can start to compete even in the most crowded of markets.