What is your approach to learning online marketing?

Starbucks' goal-setting in online marketing offers insights. → Clearly defines the target audience and their preferences. → Aligns marketing strategies with brand values and objectives. → Measures success through customer engagement and sales metrics. Use SMART goals to structure your online marketing objectives. Google Analytics for tracking and measuring progress. Setting clear, measurable goals, as demonstrated by Starbucks, is crucial.

In my journey through online marketing, I've discovered that the key to mastery lies in a blend of relentless curiosity and strategic experimentation. I recognize that the digital landscape is ever-evolving, a realm where yesterday's strategies may not win today's battles. Therefore, I adopt a hands-on approach, testing theories, analyzing data, and refining tactics in real-time. I leverage AI tools to stay ahead, ensuring my strategies are not just current but predictive. Embracing both the art and science of online marketing, I navigate this dynamic field with a blend of respect for its history and excitement for its future possibilities.

As a coach who teaches mature solopreneurs how to marketing themselves online, I like to use my "show store analogy" to explain the components of online marketing: ?? Social media is like your store's window display, it's purpose is to catch the eye of passersby and draw them into your store (your website). ?? Your website is your store, where you can showcase all you have to offer and your clients can browse at their leisure. ?? Your lead magnet is the hypothetical shoe your clients can try on to see if they like what you have to offer - and the sales staff are your email marketing sequences, giving your clients all the info needed to purchase. If you can see how each element fits together, it's easier to identify the goals.

Nothing teaches better and stronger than practice and life experience. Try to sell something. Evaluate yourself and identify your weaknesses. Maybe you don't know how to properly highlight the strengths and benefits of your offer? Maybe you just don't understand how and why people react to advertising? Based on this, form your training plan. And where to start? Affiliate marketing is open to everyone, with hundreds of partner programs where you can start from scratch. Just go for it.

My approach to learning online marketing involves a combination of structured study, hands-on practice, and continuous experimentation. I start by understanding foundational concepts through online courses, articles, and resources from reputable sources. Then, I apply what I've learned by working on real-world projects or simulations to gain practical experience. I stay updated on industry trends and best practices by following thought leaders, attending webinars, and participating in online communities. Additionally, I'm always open to testing new strategies and tools to refine my skills and stay ahead in this dynamic field.

HubSpot's approach to educational content is a model to consider. → Offers a diverse range of learning formats: blogs, courses, webinars. → Focuses on practical, real-world examples and up-to-date trends. → Prioritizes content quality and expert endorsements. Here are some tips: Explore platforms like Coursera for structured learning. Use Feedly to stay updated with various marketing blogs and news. Choose diverse and credible sources, as exemplified by HubSpot's content strategy.

If you rely on "podcasts, books, courses, webinars" you wind up doing the same thing that others are while the goal is to distinguish your brand and products/services. Study your direct and indirect competition instead. Find out what they do well, and not so well and pick up on it. For example, if you are looking to sell sandals, study competing brands, but also monitor campaigns and strategies for running shoes, dress shoes, etc. Then examine campaigns for sun tan lotions and beach supplies, since they reach a lot of the same audience. Now you have your own research and knowledge base instead of doing the same as others.

Quality matters more than quantity. There are hundreds of blogs, podcasts and online courses out there, but you don’t need to go through all of them. A good indicator of usefulness is if the content is recommended by thought leaders in the industry. Also, it needs to be current. There’s often nothing better than real-life examples and case studies. Choose whatever fits your style best, but keep in mind your schedule and how much time you can dedicate to learning. Make it efficient and don’t overwhelm yourself with too many sources.

Make tests for current projects. You can test 2-3 different ways to make a strong plan and get new insights in order you can validate and learn more over new tactics. Also you can save in a library or cloud the new information and track your knowledge... on this road you are going to have an excelent source of data for further to study and get new future ideas.

It doesn't take seeking "feedback and guidance from others" to apply your learning. Consumers will "work" to get a really good deal. I often remind my marketing clients about a few years ago driving home from Thanksgiving dinner and seeing people camped out overnight in front of large retailers so they could save $150 on a new TV. What about offering a product or service at a great deal this Saturday between 7 and 9 AM? Could be online and/or in person. Sometimes getting one or two new customers can make it worthwhile.

It's as simple as keeping a log of every effort you make to increase your customer or client base. Knowing what did not work is as important as what did when moving forward. Years ago I started keeping a spiral notebook on my desk and would write in info about important meetings, conversations, and emails and what I did about them. Months or years later, I could refer back to them, and it was only me having access to that information. It's a big help to be aware of WHAT you learn and WHEN you learn it.

With so many fantastic online learning resources available (HubSpot Academy, Grow with Google, and Alison are just a few), staying organised is key! I use a Trello board to keep track of interesting courses, articles, and tutorials. It's also become a great way to store my own feedback and reflections on what I've learned. This helps me identify areas for improvement and adapt my learning plan accordingly.

As you delve into the vast world of digital marketing, allow your creativity, curiosity, and passion for the field to flourish. This is an opportunity to explore innovative ways to connect with your audience and add value to your engagements. Networking with other digital marketers is another enriching aspect of the learning process. By connecting with peers, you can gain insights from their experiences and share your own stories. Sharing your learning journey and successes can also inspire others to embark on their own online marketing adventures. By embracing the fun and challenging aspects of online marketing, you transform it from a mere skill into a hobby and lifestyle, enriching both your professional and personal life.

Learning online marketing can be challenging and the tools are always evolving. Take the time to learn from the early adopters setting the pace, but keep in mind that the new shiny tools are not always the best. Savvy marketers have learned to have fun by putting a new spin on older, classic tools and channels to keep customers entertained and engaged.

Learning online marketing should be a thrilling experience as it is educative. Enjoy the journey and let your thirst for knowledge be your guide. Engage in artistic pursuits, try out fresh tactics and actively undertake to engage your market differently by other means. Building relationships with other marketers can offer different viewpoints and shared experiences that will build you in your educational travels. Recognize and rejoice at milestones accomplished, using the learning process more than just becoming skilled.

?? New to online marketing? Here's a recommended pathway to go from fresher to expert! ?? Start with the Basics: Understand key concepts like SEO, blog content creation, and social media marketing through online tutorials or beginner courses. ?? Look for internship, on-the-job learning, and mentorship (in that order!): Apply your learning by practicing on real-life projects. Online marketing is an experiential subject which is best studied through hands-on application. ?? Master the trifecta - people, tools, and processes! Learn how to effectively manage all three to successfully deliver client outcomes! Remember to stay up-to-date on all the latest trends, news, and insights! #onlinemarketingjourney #education #continouslearning

Be sure to look outside your industry for new ideas, strategies, and tactics that your peers in your industry may not be using.