How digital marketing can assist
entrepreneurs, franchisees, and businesses in expanding and establishing brand
recognition? It’s a Virtual interview with Dr. Shakir Ali from India with
Business Talkz.
Business Talkz: Good day, Shakir Ali. It's a pleasure to have you here. To kick
things off, could you briefly explain how digital marketing, especially through
social media, can assist entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses?
Shakir Ali:
Absolutely, it's great to be here. Digital marketing, particularly through
social media, plays a pivotal role in helping entrepreneurs grow their
businesses. It offers a cost-effective means of reaching a wider audience
compared to traditional marketing channels. According to a survey by Hootsuite,
98% of marketers found value in using social media for their businesses,
primarily for increasing brand exposure. Social media allows entrepreneurs to
efficiently target their ideal customers without breaking the bank.
Business Talkz: That's a significant advantage indeed. Can you elaborate on how
entrepreneurs can use social media for business expansion?
Shakir Ali:
Certainly! Social media platforms are powerful tools for entrepreneurs. They
provide a direct channel to engage with potential customers, build brand awareness,
and foster customer loyalty. According to Sprout Social, 71% of consumers who
have had a positive experience with a brand on social media are likely to
recommend it to others. Engaging content helps foster this positive experience.
By creating compelling content and engaging with their audience regularly,
entrepreneurs can not only attract new customers but also build a community
around their brand.
Business Talkz: What about search engine optimization (SEO)? How does it
contribute to business growth?
Shakir Ali:
SEO is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to expand their online
presence. By optimizing their website for search engines, entrepreneurs can
improve their website's visibility in search results. This means that when
potential customers search for products or services related to their business,
they are more likely to find their website. This increased visibility can lead
to a significant boost in organic traffic and, consequently, more potential
customers.
Business Talkz: Email marketing is another aspect of digital marketing. How can it
be used effectively by entrepreneurs?
Shakir Ali:
Email marketing is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs to nurture and convert
leads. According to HubSpot, 80% of marketers found social media effective for
lead generation, including entrepreneurs. Creating and sharing valuable content
on social platforms can attract potential customers. Well-planned social
calendars ensure consistent traffic to your site. Additionally, email marketing
allows for precise targeting and segmentation, making it highly effective.
Business Talkz: For entrepreneurs considering digital marketing, what key steps
should they take to get started?
Shakir Ali:
Firstly, entrepreneurs should establish a strong online presence by optimizing
their website and creating profiles on relevant social media platforms. They
should also consider investing in SEO strategies to boost visibility. Content
development is key for engaging their audience, so a well-planned social
calendar with engaging articles and posts is essential. Additionally,
entrepreneurs can benefit from partnering with digital marketing experts or
agencies to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
Business Talkz: Shakir Ali, you've covered the significance of digital marketing
for entrepreneurs. Can you shed some light on how digital marketing can
specifically benefit franchisees looking to expand their businesses?
Shakir Ali:
Absolutely, franchisees can leverage digital marketing to amplify their growth.
Just like entrepreneurs, franchisees can benefit from social media's
cost-effective reach. According to a survey by Hootsuite, 98% of marketers
found value in using social media for their businesses, including franchisees,
for increasing brand exposure. It helps them reach a broader audience within
their local markets and beyond.
Business Talkz: How can franchisees use social media effectively to promote their
franchise locations?
Shakir Ali:
Franchisees can use social media to create localized marketing strategies. They
can showcase their unique offerings, engage with the local community, and
foster brand loyalty. Engaging content is crucial in this aspect. According to
Sprout Social, 71% of consumers who have had a positive experience with a brand
on social media are likely to recommend it to others. Franchisees can create
content that resonates with their local audience, including promotions, events,
and customer testimonials.
Business Talkz: Are there any specific SEO strategies that franchisees should
consider when expanding their franchises?
Shakir Ali:
Yes, SEO can be tailored to target local audiences effectively. Franchisees can
optimize their website for local search terms, ensuring that they appear in
search results when potential customers in their area are looking for relevant
products or services. This localized SEO approach can significantly boost their
visibility in their franchise locations.
Business Talkz: How about email marketing for franchisee expansion? Can you provide
insights into its importance?
Shakir Ali:
Email marketing is equally valuable for franchisees. It allows them to
communicate directly with their local customer base, promote special offers,
and keep their audience informed about events or changes. According to HubSpot,
80% of marketers found social media effective for lead generation, including
franchisees. Building a subscriber list and sending targeted, localized content
can drive traffic to their franchise locations and foster customer loyalty.
Business Talkz: What would you say to franchisees who may be hesitant about
embracing digital marketing for their businesses?
Shakir Ali:
I would advise them not to miss out on the tremendous opportunities digital
marketing offers, especially in local markets. It's a dynamic field that allows
even franchisees to compete effectively. Start with a strong online presence,
tailor your strategies to your local audience, and invest in engaging content.
If needed, consider collaborating with digital marketing experts who understand
the nuances of local marketing. The key is to be adaptable and open to trying
new strategies. Digital marketing can truly be a game-changer in helping
franchisees expand their businesses while establishing a strong local brand
presence.
Dr. Shakir Ali – an academician by heart working as Faculty of Digital Business at
Lithan Academy eduCLaaS Singapore and Digital Marketing Entrepreneur is a
founding member of Digitoze.com in Hyderabad India.
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