Clients generally have unrealistic expectations of a integrated digital marketing strategy. They expect results immediately or within the first 3-6 months. We prepare our clients for real expectations by reviewing a Digital Marketing Timeline.
An Integrated Digital Marketing strategy has five stages during a 27+ month period. (note: the timeline can be collapsed to 6+ months depending on the relevancy and the timeliness of the promotion) During each stage the number of touchpoints, client marketing efforts that touch the customer, are expanded. These touchpoints build on each other and grow exponentially. As your network expands the media (traditional advertising, PR, online, social) begin to synergize with each other. In the future a successful strategy will be self generating and grow virally. The goal is to convert your network of touchpoints to actions that support your strategic objectives. Here are the expectations projected for the five stages of the Digital Marketing Timeline Strategy.
SETUP (0-3 months)
- assess touchpoints in relation to customer lifecycle
- build online environment
- establish baseline
- setup digital media infrastructure
- establish listings on search engines
- gain followers
- initiate relationships
- develop content strategy
- assess digital footprint
- increase member interactions
- begin gaining new referrals/leads
- initiate brand mentions
TRACTION (4-9 mo)
- transform touchpoints to conversation points
- implement digital media optimization
- gain traction on social media sites
- integrate mobile with social media
- gain responses to call to action
- place on search engines
- gain new sales/members
- gain initial thought leadership interactions
- build member satisfaction/feedback
- increase customer service
POSITIONING (10-15 months)
- convert conversation interaction points to conversion points
- gain positions on search engines
- gain thought leadership interactions
- gain new sales revenue
- develop brand loyalty
EXPANSION (16-27+ months)
- stabilize position on search engines
- establish some recognition as a thought leader
- gain brand power
- gain consistent stream of revenue
VIRAL GROWTH (future)
- expand networks exponentially through fan/follower networks and social communities