Changes in the...

 Insights from a Conversation with Marketing Expert Debbie Ward

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. With platforms evolving, algorithms changing, and privacy laws reshaping the landscape, it's essential to adapt your marketing strategies to ensure effective outreach and engagement. In a recent conversation between two industry experts, Debbie Ward, Director of Digital Marketing for Hay House Publishing, and host April Porter, the topic of the ever-changing digital marketing landscape was explored, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities businesses face in reaching their target audiences.

Read the synopsis below or tune into the FULL Podcast episode here. 

Understanding the Evolution of Digital Marketing

Debbie and April kicked off their conversation by highlighting the fundamental shifts in the digital marketing realm. Emphasizing the need for businesses to identify their customers' pain points and craft compelling hooks that resonate with potential clients. Previously, businesses could rely on hyper-targeted advertising to specific interest groups. However, the introduction of privacy laws and changes in platform algorithms, particularly driven by the iOS 14 update, have significantly altered this approach.

The Impact of Privacy Laws and Algorithm Changes

With the iOS 14 update, Apple introduced changes that required users to opt-in for data tracking, resulting in a loss of valuable user data for platforms like Facebook. As a consequence, platforms have had to pivot their strategies and rely more on internal data, causing a shift in the way ads are targeted. Audience interests and targeting options have been reduced, driving up ad costs and necessitating a more focused approach to advertising.

The Role of Customer Avatars and Compelling Hooks

Debbie and April stress the importance of understanding and creating customer avatars that go beyond basic demographic information. A true customer avatar profile involves an in-depth analysis of your ideal customer's behaviors, preferences, pain points, and motivations. Crafting a compelling hook, one that addresses your customer's pain points and offers solutions becomes essential to engage potential customers effectively. Interested in understanding and creating your customer avatar profiles specifically or your business check out the Infinite Franchisee Program.

Matching Hooks to Awareness Levels

Understanding your potential customer's awareness level, ranging from unaware to solution aware, and knowing where your audience falls on this spectrum, will determine which marketing approach you take. For those unaware of their problem, the hook should identify their pain points and provide an inkling of the solution. As customers become more problem or solution-aware, the focus shifts to differentiators that set your product or service apart.

The Importance of Timing and Patience

One key takeaway from this conversation was the need for patience and a long-term perspective in today's digital marketing landscape. Businesses must recognize that the learning phase of ads takes time, and results may not be immediately visible. Understanding the attribution window and the journey from awareness to conversion is crucial in setting realistic expectations for your marketing efforts.

Navigating the Changing Landscape

As the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve, businesses must adapt and refine their strategies to ensure effective outreach and engagement. Creating detailed customer avatars, crafting compelling hooks, and understanding the nuances of different awareness levels are pivotal in navigating the challenges posed by privacy laws and shifting algorithms. With the right approach, businesses can overcome these challenges and thrive in the ever-changing world of digital marketing.