One underrated digital marketing tool that I've found highly effective, yet surprisingly underused, is "Google My Business" (GMB). From my experiences, including past work at Harmonic Reach where we embraced digital transformation, I've seen how GMB can dramatically influence local SEO and customer engagement without incurring heavy costs. At Harmonic Reach, we actively used GMB to post updates, respond to reviews, and interact directly with customers. This approach not only bolstered our visibility in local search results but also strengthened our engagement levels. For instance, by consistently updating our GMB profile with fresh content and timely responses to customer inquiries, we observed a noticeable improvement in customer trust and satisfaction scores. Moreover, the analytics provided by GMB gave us detailed insights into customer interactions and helped us refine our local SEO strategies. By understanding what customers were searching for and how they interacted with our listings, we could optimize our online presence more effectively. This direct line to customer behavior and preference is gold for any business looking to enhance its digital footprint locally.
One underrated digital marketing tool that has caught my attention and proven beneficial is streaming video content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. In my role at MBC Group, especially with the transitioning to AI-Driven Marketing Solutions, I've observed the dramatic impact of live video integration into our marketing strategy. For instance, we've started using live streaming to launch new products and engage in real-time with our audience. This has not only increased our reach but has also significantly boosted user engagement and interaction. Our metrics showed a substantial increase in viewer retention rates compared to static posts. Live video has the unique advantage of creating a more humanized and trustworthy brand image, encouraging more direct and immediate connections with viewers. Additionally, incorporating Q&A sessions within these live streams allowed us to address customer queries instantly, which greatly enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty. The immediacy and transparency of live video foster credibility and allow real-time feedback that can be strategic in modifying or improving offerings promptly. From a business perspective, it's an efficient way to enhance brand visibility and interaction at a relatively low cost, leveraging the built-in audiences of these powerful social platforms.
A digital marketing tool I think more businesses should use is Hotjar. It provides heatmaps and video recordings of how people interact with your website. This feature lets you see exactly where users click and where they don't, helping you understand what works and what needs improvement. By directly observing user behavior, businesses can make smarter changes to their sites, improving the user experience and potentially increasing conversions. Hotjar is a straightforward tool that offers valuable insights into how visitors engage with your content.
One underrated digital marketing tool that I believe more businesses should leverage is the use of customer data platforms (CDPs). From my experience at Thinksia, where we focus on crafting personalized marketing strategies and utilizing real-time analytics, CDPs stand out as a crucial element in understanding and activating consumer data effectively. A CDP essentially allows for the consolidation of customer data from multiple sources into a unified customer profile that can be accessed by other software systems. This capability has enabled us to provide highly personalized customer experiences at scale. For instance, by merging data from web interactions, transactions, and customer feedback, we were able to create tailored marketing campaigns that resonated deeply with different audience segments, leading to improved engagement rates and customer retention. The value of CDPs lies in their ability to provide a holistic view of the customer, which supports more informed decision-making about marketing strategies and customer engagement practices. By investing in a robust CDP, businesses can capitalize on the depth and breadth of their data to drive meaningful interactions and nurture long-term customer relationships. This tool is particularly beneficial for companies looking to enhance customer personalization and operational efficiency in their marketing efforts.
Quora. It's a goldmine for understanding your audience. You can learn what questions they're asking, what problems they face, and what content resonates with them. Plus, by answering relevant questions, you can establish your brand as a thought leader and drive targeted traffic back to your site. Many businesses overlook Quora, but it's an incredibly powerful tool for market research and connecting with potential customers.
Newsletters are an underrated digital marketing tool that more businesses should consider. Initially, you need to invest time in cultivating a dedicated subscriber base. However, if you consistently deliver content that is genuinely useful and engaging, you can develop a loyal and interactive audience. This approach not only enhances customer loyalty but also drives repeat business and referrals.
Google Ads definitely doesn't get enough credit. It might be because it seems a bit complex or there's this idea floating around that you need to throw a tonne of money at it to see any results. But Google Ads can seriously change the game for businesses. It could be that I’m biased because we’re Google Ads specialists, but I’ve seen so many of our clients transform their business with the power of this platform! When Google Ads is used the right way, it changes everything. We're talking about going from ""Who are they?"" to ""Oh, I've heard of them!"" in a really short amount of time. The coolest thing about Google Ads is that it’s targeting superpowers. You're not just throwing your message into the void and hoping it sticks. You're putting it right in front of the people who are most likely to be interested in what you've got, exactly when they're looking for it. It's like being able to show up at just the right moment, which is golden in marketing. It's not all about getting a quick hit of traffic, either. Google Ads has this amazing ability to grow with you. You can start small and dial up your spending as you start seeing some returns, making it a pretty awesome tool for businesses that want to scale without betting the farm right away. And then there's the fact that Google Ads keeps getting better. They're always adding new features, like AI to help with bidding strategies or creating ads that adapt on their own to find what works best. It's this kind of innovation that makes Google Ads not just a tool for today but one for the future too.
I firmly believe that web push notification platforms are significantly underrated in the digital marketing world. These platforms, including Stackly, OneSignal or even PushEngage, are exceptional tools that provide a direct and non-disruptive channel to connect with website visitors. A key feature of these platforms is their ability to deliver custom notifications curated based on user behaviors, preferences, and demographics. This results in highly targeted and relevant messaging which serves not only to re-engage dormant users but also enhance relationships with regular users. What follows naturally, is increased website traffic, coupled with a surge in conversion rates and bolstered user engagement. Moreover, these web push notification platforms fit ideally within a holistic digital marketing approach. They can augment other marketing efforts such as email campaigns, SEO strategies, and content marketing, by delivering a personalized user experience that subtly drives customer actions, from securing a sale to signing up for a newsletter or even returning to peruse freshly uploaded content. Despite the efficacy of such platforms, many businesses are yet to tap into their full potential, often prioritizing more well-known tools in digital marketing. Therefore, if you're looking for an underutilized tool to amplify your digital marketing efforts, web push notification platforms could prove to be a game-changer.
One underrated digital marketing tool that I believe deserves more recognition, especially given my experience at Cleartail Marketing, is marketing automation platforms that include retargeting display advertising features. For instance, platforms like SharpSpring have been integral to our approach, helping drive customer re-engagement and conversion significantly. In practice, we've utilized these tools to automatically trigger display ads based on user behavior, such as visiting a client's product page without making a purchase. This method was particularly effective in a campaign where we managed to recapture and convert over 30% of the leads who initially left the website without buying. This form of retargeting ensures that our client's brand stays top of mind, gently nudging potential customers back toward the purchase funnel through targeted ads that address their specific interests and previous interactions. What sets this tool apart is its ability to create a seamless customer experience and improve conversion rates by presenting timely and relevant ads to potential customers who are already familiar with the brand but might have hesitated initially. Using a comprehensive marketing automation platform that includes this feature simplifies workflow and consolidates campaign management, making it a must-have for any digital marketer aiming to optimize ad spending and boost ROI effectively.
As a tech CEO, one underutilized digital marketing tool I'd suggest is 'Mailchimp.' Despite the rise of social media, email marketing still remains a potent tool. With Mailchimp, businesses can automate their email campaigns, analyze their performance metrics, and manage their audience segments easier. Its insightful reports help refine strategies and its easy-to-use interface suits even those not tech-savvy. If businesses leveraged this more, I believe they could significantly enhance their customer engagement and retention.
I think more companies should utilize web push notifications as one of the most underappreciated digital marketing channels. Web push notifications are small text messages that appear on a user's screen, even if they're not on your site. | They're a great way to re-engage your visitors and drive traffic to your website. They also have a higher conversion rate than other channels. Web push notifications are a great way for us at Stallion Express to keep our audience engaged and drive traffic to our website. Since we started using them, our website traffic and conversions have skyrocketed. Web push notifications let us send time-sensitive information directly to our audience's devices. For example, we can send a flash sale or shipping update directly to your audience's device. Industry reports show that web push notifications average 4-8% click-through rates, making them one of the most effective ways to reach your target audience. Additionally, web push notifications are easy to configure and personalize based on your users' preferences. Use web push notifications as part of your digital marketing strategy to improve customer engagement, increase sales, and affordably grow your business. Try it out and see what you can do!
In my opinion, eBooks are a highly underrated digital marketing tool, yet they are extremely useful! These tools are often utilized more for lead generation than for direct content sales. By providing potential customers with engaging and valuable information via eBooks, businesses aim to gather contact details in exchange. Even if potential leads don't react immediately, eBooks serve as an excellent method for sparking customer interest, as companies can craft a series of narratives that encourage readers to return. By the way, eBooks offer the convenience of portability. Unlike traditional books, eBooks are digital files that can be stored on a small USB drive or on a computer’s hard drive. They are also easily downloadable and can be shared among users, which helps extend their reach to a wider audience. People often appreciate eBooks because they can acquire them for free online. I can say from experience that choosing eBooks for content marketing is beneficial because they allow you to share unlimited information with your clients. The costs associated with publishing eBooks are minimal since there are no physical products to manufacture. This makes eBooks a low-risk, high-reward strategy for businesses seeking effective lead generation.
Leveraging Webinars for Effective Digital Marketing in Legal Outsourcing One underrated digital marketing tool that I believe more businesses should use is webinars. Drawing from personal experiences in promoting our legal process outsourcing services, I've found that webinars offer a unique opportunity to engage with potential clients in a meaningful way while showcasing expertise and providing value. For instance, we recently hosted a webinar on the benefits of outsourcing legal processes, where we shared insights, best practices, and case studies to educate attendees on how our services could benefit their firms. The interactive nature of webinars allows for real-time interaction and Q&A sessions, fostering connections and building trust with our audience. Additionally, webinars provide valuable content that can be repurposed for other marketing channels, maximizing reach and impact. In a digital landscape saturated with content, leveraging webinars can set businesses apart by offering valuable educational experiences that resonate with their target audience.
As a UESCA certified running coach with a digital footprint, I've discovered that leveraging interactive content tools, such as quizzes or assessments, is highly underrated in digital marketing. These tools engage users on a personal level, providing them with immediate value, such as a tailored training tip or insight into their running style, which in turn increases the time they spend on your site and helps establish your expertise and credibility. Additionally, podcasting is a medium that is still on the rise, especially in niche markets like running coaching. By starting a podcast, you can dive deep into specific topics, share success stories, and bring on guests to discuss trends and techniques, which can help you build a loyal community around your brand. This approach not only positions you as a thought leader but also amplifies your reach to potential clients who prefer audio content. I would also say that the power of micro-influencer partnerships is often overlooked. Collaborating with micro-influencers in the running community can create authentic connections and tap into their dedicated followers. This strategy can be more cost-effective than traditional advertising and often yields a higher engagement rate, as these influencers are seen as more relatable and trustworthy by their audience.
One tool that I believe more businesses should utilize is the combination of Google Analytics and Google Search Console. At ZenMaid, these tools have been fundamental in shaping our marketing strategies. They provide insightful data on where our visitors come from and how they interact with our website, which helps us tailor our content and SEO efforts effectively. Google Analytics, in particular, is crucial for diving deep into user behavior and preferences, allowing us to understand what content resonates the most with our audience. Together, these tools not only track engagement but also enable us to generate detailed reports that guide our decisions, making them indispensable for any business looking to enhance its online presence.
I think email automation is an underrated digital marketing tool that more businesses should leverage. While it might seem old-school, the potential of email automation goes beyond simple newsletters. When used creatively, it allows businesses to send personalized content and offers based on the customer's behavior, preferences, and previous interactions with the brand. For example, if a customer abandons their shopping cart, an automated email can be triggered to remind them of their incomplete purchase, perhaps offering a small discount to encourage a transaction. This strategy keeps the communication relevant and timely, significantly increasing the chance of a conversion. Email automation helps maintain regular contact with customers without the need for constant manual effort, ensuring that messages are sent at the optimal time to engage customers effectively. In my opinion, it's a powerful tool that provides a high return on investment by boosting customer retention and engagement.
One underrated digital marketing tool that we use and that I believe more businesses need to use is SurferSEO. It’s such a great tool to make sure the text you’re putting on your website, in blogs, etc are optimized. It has helped us at Gigli to create a site that ranks better on search engines as well as ensures that the blog posts we produce are more effective when it comes to reaching the right audiences. I know more people are starting to see the value in SEO. But I still think there are a lot of businesses out there that aren’t putting enough effort in or aren’t using the right tools. In the long term, SEO will change the way your business grows.
Co-founder, Digital Marketing Director, Gardening & Home Improvement Expert at Reefertilizer
Answered a year ago
ThriveCart is seriously undervalued in the world of digital marketing, something more businesses should really get into. From my own experience as someone who's had to tackle the challenges of selling online, I can vouch that ThriveCart has been a game-changer, especially for e-commerce. It makes the whole checkout experience so much smoother, which really helps in bumping up those conversion rates. One thing I've particularly benefited from at Reefertilizer is its powerful upsell feature, which has noticeably increased our average order value, boosting our overall income. The insights ThriveCart offers into what our customers are doing and what they want have been super valuable, allowing us to sharpen our marketing efforts. The ease with which it integrates with other tools we use has made managing our sales processes a breeze. For me, using ThriveCart goes beyond just pushing up sales numbers; it's about delivering a shopping experience that's as hassle-free as possible for our customers.
Some stores, such as supermarkets, now have digital billboards where their suppliers can advertise their products. Some gas stations and laundromats have these billboards as well. Online marketers should know that there are many opportunities to use digital marketing on other devices with screens besides smartphones, laptops, and TV sets.
An often overlooked yet highly effective digital marketing strategy businesses should leverage more is email marketing. Despite being around for decades, email remains one of the most effective ways to reach and engage with customers. With a well-designed email campaign, businesses can build relationships with their audience, drive sales, and enhance brand awareness. Using targeted emails, businesses can segment their audience based on demographics, behaviors, and interests, ensuring that the right message is delivered to the right people at the right time. This personalization can significantly improve open rates and click-through rates compared to generic mass emails. Moreover, email marketing allows businesses to track and measure their success through metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. This data can provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences, allowing businesses to tailor their email campaigns for maximum impact. In addition, email marketing is a cost-effective tool that offers a high return on investment. With minimal costs involved, businesses can reach a large audience and generate leads, making it an attractive option for small and medium-sized businesses with limited resources.