“Hey…real quick, can you help me with something? I’m trying to figure out how to put on 20 lbs of additional muscle by next month. Oh oh, and I need to grow another four inches and get a nice tan too. Okay? Thanks.”
Sounds a bit ridiculous, doesn’t it? While we would all love the ability to change something so drastic so quickly, it just isn’t realistic.
The same concept applies to growing your company’s digital presence. While we would all love to have our company ranked #1 on Google and other relevant search engines, it just isn’t an overnight endeavor. It requires discipline, hard work, and lots of dedication.
We live in a society where everyone wants everything RIGHT NOW! Technology has done an amazing job at delivering so much information to us so very quickly, but there are just some things that can’t be sped up to warped speed. Especially since the things that seem most desirable are the things that require the most amount of discipline and investment of resources.
Here are a few quick tips to help you achieve your digital goals (or get those rock hard abs):
These Things Take Time
Just like packing on additional muscle, losing weight, or learning a new language, your digital presence is quite similar: It takes time. Be realistic and make sure you set milestones to track success. Short and long term goals are great, but you need to forecast out a plan to stay on track.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Don’t Go At It Alone
Sometimes you just don’t know how to go about achieving your digital goals. Just like learning to play a new instrument, it isn’t just about practice, it’s about practicing correctly. Sometimes, you need help from someone who is experienced. Fortunately, there are a wealth of resources available online to help you learn and become at least somewhat versed in what it will take to achieve your goals. Once you have an idea of what you need, you can then look for a partner to help with your new endeavor.
Whether you choose the experts at Strunk Media Group or someone else, make sure you’re realistic about what it is going to take to achieve your goals and don’t be afraid to screen and talk with multiple experts before making a decision. If you do decide to work on your digital presence alone, be sure to join forums or online communities. It is amazing what a little bit of support and accountability can do.
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” – Michael Jordan
Crawl Before You Walk
We’ve all heard the old saying, “walk before you run” right? With digital, plan on crawling before any of that. Start with the smaller goals like cleaning up your website and business listings before moving on to world domination on the front page of Google. Just like with other personal goals, it is encouraging to check off smaller items and helps you stay on track.
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” – Tony Robbins
Measure, Tweak, Repeat
The beautiful part of digital marketing is the ability to measure everything. Document where you currently are and where you are going. Identify key indicators relevant to you and your company and assess them as you move forward with your digital campaign. Continue to measure, make changes, and repeat. This is how you keep moving forward.
“You can’t manage what you can’t measure.” – Peter Drucker
While it isn’t going to happen overnight, if you follow these simple tips, it will help you keep on track with your digital (and even personal) goals. Now if you would excuse me, I need to go buy some spray tan.