As a distributor, you’re the bridge that connects manufacturers to consumers, and helps get products into the hands of buyers who want them. From a marketing standpoint, this puts your company in a unique position.
Still, much like virtually every company in the world today, digital marketing strategies can help you reach your goals.
Best digital marketing strategies for distributors
Most people naturally gravitate to the Internet when they want information or to make a purchase, and when you use a combination of digital marketing strategies for your distribution company, you can be there to provide it – and convert them into customers for your business.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is the process of improving your website in ways that help search engines like Google understand what it’s about and display it as a result for relevant searches. It involves both on-page and off-page techniques, and is an ongoing process. With the right strategy, you can improve your rankings in search engine results for the keywords your potential customers are searching for – so that when they look for information they’ll find your site first.
Email Marketing
Many distributors worry that if they send out emails to potential buyers, they’ll be considered “spammers.” And while that’s certainly the case if you email people who’ve never signed up to hear from you, email marketing is an effective way to keep in touch with potential customers. Once someone signs up for your email list, you can send them regular updates on your company, new products, product changes, and anything else they may be interested in. That being said, email marketing isn’t about shoving information at your email list. It’s about aligning yourself with their needs. Meet them where they are, and add calls-to-action (CTAs) so they know how to take the next steps if they want to get in touch. When you present your company as a valuable source of information (and not a company trying to push products), you’ll be much more successful in building valuable customer relationships.
Web Design
Your website is your company’s home online, and it needs to make a great impression on your visitors if you want to convert them into customers. An outdated or difficult to use website can turn potential buyers away. Invest in professional web design, and you’ll be able to keep visitors on your site and encourage them to learn about your company. Utilize a straightforward layout and navigation, and make it easy for potential customers to find the information they want. You should also incorporate elements that show visitors they can trust you, like client testimonials and any awards you’ve won in the past.
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising
Although the above methods don’t require you to pay for ad space, there are a few distributor advertising models online that can help you expand your reach. One of the most effective types is pay-per-click, or PPC, advertising. The most popular example of this is Google AdWords, which is the platform responsible for the ads you see on Google when you conduct any kind of search. These ads occur in response to specific keywords, and they rank according to the amount advertisers are willing to spend per click to their website. Although SEO is the most effective strategy for building search engine visibility long-term, PPC ads are a great way to start attracting qualified visitors almost immediately. Plus, when you combine the two distribution digital marketing strategies, you can maximize your real estate on results pages and attract even more visitors.