The year was 1994 and internet users everywhere experienced something new for the very first time in the 11 years since the birth of the web: digital advertising. 

Considered the “voice of emerging digital culture”, Wired.com was the first company to create an online advertisement. On October 27, 1994 the company – then known as HotWired.com – posted a banner advertisement that read “Have you ever clicked your mouse right HERE? YOU WILL.”  and thus, online advertising was born!

first online ad

 

Digital advertising has evolved in the years since its inception, with strategies changing as the algorithms do! With the potential for digital ads to increase brand awareness by 80%,millions of brands across the world are targeting prospective customers while they scroll. 

Digital marketing is when a business advertises its products and services across multiple digital channels. Advertising on platforms such as search engines, social media, email marketing, and links on third-party websites has given local businesses the opportunity to connect to new and existing customers!

Different Types of Digital Advertising

Advertising online is one of the best ways for businesses to increase their brand awareness by targeting customers who are more likely to purchase their products and services. 

There are a few different types of digital marketing, but we recommend starting with three of the most popular to get analytics for future campaigns on other platforms:

1. Search Engine Marketing 

Search engines such as Google have their own SEM options for businesses to bid on keywords along with competitors to appear higher on the search engine results page (SERP). Since Google has over 90% of the search engine traffic worldwide, using Google Ads can help a business grow! 

2. Social Media Advertising

People spend a lot of time scrolling online, so social media platforms let businesses pay to boost online ads. With 3.725 billion active social media users across different platforms, utilizing social media advertising has many benefits for local businesses!

3. Search Engine Optimization 

Increase brand visibility by creating content that will come up in organic search results. While SEM is more short-term to get eyes on your website, SEO will give longevity to your website!

Benefits of Advertising Online For Small Businesses

Having the ability to advertise online has leveled the playing field between small businesses and large corporations in ways traditional marketing never could! There are so many great benefits to investing in an online advertising strategy:

1. Targeted ads produce quality leads

Online advertising lets you choose who sees your advertisements and when. By targeting specific audiences using demographics like location, age, and interests, you’re more likely to see an improved conversion rate

2. Affordable Way to Reach Customers

Advertising online gives your business control over when and where you spend your money. Digital advertising lets small businesses have equal access to platforms with global reach, letting them grow through strategy rather than money! 

3. Use Analytics to Tweak Ad Campaigns

Running an ad campaign online gives companies access to analytics that let your business see what’s working. Using analytics means you can change your campaign in real-time to increase conversions! 

By advertising online, local businesses can boost brand awareness, drive traffic to their website, and generate leads that are more likely to convert to customers. With so many great benefits, it’s easy to see why Canadian businesses are taking advantage of digital marketing campaigns!

Ready to grow your local business? Contact DigiHype Media today so we can chat about working together to reach new customers!

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