10 Digital Marketing Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
Being in digital marketing can feel like you’re trying to hit a moving target sometimes, can’t it? Trends come and go, algorithms get updated, and things that used to work just don’t anymore. After working as a freelance digital marketer, I’ve seen a lot of patterns and have made (and learned from) a few mistakes myself. Here are the top things to avoid this year if you want to keep your marketing game strong and make a real impact.
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1. Not Thinking About Mobile Users First
Let’s be real, almost everyone is on their phone these days. If someone finds your website but it’s hard to navigate on mobile, they’re probably going to leave pretty quickly. Plus, Google prefers mobile-friendly sites, so this can affect your ranking too. Take a few minutes to check your site on a phone, and make sure it’s easy to use and loads quickly. It’s one of those “small things” that makes a big difference.
2. Sending Generic Messages That Don’t Speak to People
Nobody wants to feel like they’re just a number on a mass email list. When you send out the same message to everyone, it can come across as spammy or impersonal. I like to break my audience into segments based on interests or how they’ve interacted with my content. Just adding a personal touch or specific callout can make emails feel way more genuine and people actually respond better to that!
3. Skipping Out on Video Content
People just love videos And why not? Videos are easy to digest and a quick way to get a lot of information. If you’re not creating videos yet, give it a shot. A short video explaining your product or sharing a behind-the-scenes moment can go a long way. Plus, it’s fun to get creative with it! For me, adding video content to my strategy has made a noticeable difference, and clients appreciate it too.
4. Ignoring Algorithm Changes
This one’s easy to forget, but social media and search engines are always changing their algorithms. If you’re not paying attention, you might notice your reach drop or fewer people seeing your content, and it’s hard to know why. I try to stay updated on major changes for the platforms I use most, so I can adjust my approach. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and it really helps keep your content in front of people.
5. Letting Data Scare You Off
Analytics can seem intimidating, but it’s one of the best tools to figure out what’s working and what’s not. Even if you just check once a week, it’s a game changer. Look at which posts are getting engagement, what’s bringing people to your site, and where they’re spending the most time. It’s helped me make smarter choices, and honestly, it’s reassuring to see actual numbers backing up the effort I’m putting in.
6. Overlooking SEO
SEO can seem like a huge, technical thing, but it’s really about making it easier for people to find you. Simple tweaks like using the right keywords, having quick load times, and making sure everything works on mobile can really help. When your site is optimized, it’s like free advertising since people can find you more easily through search engines.
7. Ignoring Customer Feedback
Your audience is the best source of feedback you’ll ever get. Whether it’s comments, reviews, or DMs, they’re telling you what they like, what they’re missing, and what could be better. I always listen closely and try to respond thoughtfully, even to critical comments. It shows customers you’re listening and care about their experience, and it’s a great way to build trust and loyalty.
8. Not Setting Clear Goals for Campaigns
Launching a campaign without a goal is like throwing darts in the dark. Whether you’re looking to get more followers, drive traffic, or increase sales, having a specific goal helps you track progress. I always set a few key performance indicators (KPIs) that make sense for each campaign, and it’s amazing how much easier it is to see what’s working and what needs a tweak.
9. Trying to Be Everywhere All the Time
It’s easy to feel like you need to be on every platform, but that can be overwhelming (and exhausting). Instead, I focus on the places where my audience is most active. For me, Instagram and LinkedIn are big platforms, so I put more energy there instead of spreading myself thin. This lets me create better content that resonates and doesn’t burn me out.
10. Letting Old Content Gather Dust
Content doesn’t stay fresh forever. Even the best blog post or video can benefit from updates. Every so often, I go back to my top-performing content and refresh it with new information or updated keywords. It keeps traffic flowing without the need to start from scratch, and it’s an easy win for keeping things relevant.
Wrapping It All Up
Being in digital marketing means always learning, experimenting, and adapting. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re setting yourself up for smoother, smarter strategies that lead to real results. These reminders have helped me get better outcomes for myself and my clients. Here’s to making 2024 a year of growth, success, and marketing that truly connects with people.
