Not every business is all about tech. Shocker, we know. Think about your neighborhood grocery store you go to so you can restock on your favorite sweets. Yeah – them. Anyway, many of these non-tech companies are facing the challenges of adapting to an increasingly online world. While some traditional businesses may not have technology in their DNA, digital marketing offers them an opportunity to grow, engage with new audiences/customers, and stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace.
Most businesses turn to digital channels when they need new customers. The next logical step here is going online. Even for companies that aren’t necessarily tech-heavy, having a well-optimized website and an active social media presence will drive significant growth. According to data from Sales Lion, 81% of people research businesses online before they make any buying decisions, even if the company operates offline.
If you’re a non-tech business, you should still have a focus on user-friendly websites that offer valuable content, information, clear navigation, and effective call-to-actions. A digital storefront or an informative blog not only attracts customers, but when they’re poking around trying to find that one bad review, it can definitely help to build credibility.
Walk into your local bakery and ask them if they’re on social media. Chances are the owner's nephew is running their Facebook account looking to make extra cash for college. In plain English, this means most traditional businesses underestimate the power of social media. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are all powerful tools for customer engagement, brand storytelling, and building community.
According to some news stories, over 4.8Bn people are active on social media worldwide. What’s even crazier is that the same report claims people spend an average of 2 hours and 24 minutes on social media daily. For non-tech companies, this is a golden apple of opportunity to connect with their audience, share their story, and create meaningful interactions that will drive brand loyalty.
When you look into the world of digital marketing, it isn’t just about organic reach; paid advertising is crucial to reaching new customers quickly. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads offer highly targeted ways non-tech businesses can reach potential customers based on their interests, demographics, and online behaviors.
Non-tech companies can allocate a small portion of their marketing budget toward paid digital ads that can yield immediate results. Data from WordStream states that businesses make an average of $2 for every $1 spent on Google Ads. Paid advertising allows businesses to appear in front of their ideal customers at the right time, especially during the research phase of their buying journey.
Email marketing remains one of the most effective tools for nurturing relationships with customers. For non-tech businesses, email allows direct communication with existing customers, encouraging repeat business, and providing updates on new products, services, and business news.
Campaign Monitor states that email marketing delivers a $44 return for every $1 spent, making it one of the, if not the, highest ROI digital marketing channels.
For non-tech companies, digital marketing may seem like a beast that has to be defeated. However, some simple guidance and adopting the right strategies can go a very long way. Building a strong online presence, leveraging social media, investing in paid ads, and capitalizing on email marketing can push traditional businesses to the edge of remaining competitive and growing in modern marketplaces. Digital marketing is no longer just for tech companies—it's an essential tool for all businesses looking to succeed in today’s world.