Digital Marketing Strategy Groundwork: Lessons from a Jedi Marketer
One breezy afternoon in Galaxy’s Edge at the greatest place on Earth, otherwise known as Disneyland, my husband and I found ourselves crafting lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop. Imagine a gaggle of grown adults (yes, me included) getting giddy over color-coded crystals and hilts, while diligently ignoring the judgmental looks from a small boy nearby. He could’ve sworn he’d never do such nonsense when he reaches adulthood – kid, live a little. But here we were, a happy pair of proud geeks, basking in the Star Wars universe as self-proclaimed Jedi enthusiasts.
Now, you might be wondering, what on Earth does this have to do with digital marketing strategy groundwork? Allow me to force connect these two galaxies. Much like the way a Jedi must construct a lightsaber with precision, balance, and a good sense of humor, crafting a successful digital marketing strategy requires the same meticulous approach.
You see, when building a lightsaberâor a marketing planâyou can’t just slap any colored crystal into any hilt and call it a day. No, it requires an understanding of which components go together, complemented by the skill to wield it. Digital marketing strategy groundwork involves a blend of selecting the right platforms, creating valuable content, and executing with precision if you want to stand out in the digital universe.
Let’s be honest. We’ve all had a digital marketing campaign that, in hindsight, came out more Jar Jar Binks than Darth Vaderâwell-intentioned but clumsy and not quite up to the standards of a Sith Lord (or a savvy marketer). Take heart knowing that even the Jedi fumbled with their lightsabers during padawan days. The key is to learn from those flubs, sometimes laughing at them too.
Fast forward to the last 22 parsecs of my career in marketing (and slightly exaggerated Star Wars terms). Through stumbles and triumphs, Iâve learned that a well-honed digital marketing strategy groundwork is rooted in three main tenets: knowing the force, a.k.a., your audience; having a plan, a.k.a., strategy; and embracing the tech, a.k.a., tools and platforms. Just like Yoda wisely said, âPatience you must have, my young padawan,â you can’t rush the groundwork.
Building an audience means stepping into their shoes, and maybe even trying on a few Jedi robes. What do they like? What content resonates with them? Are they fans of the original Star Wars trilogy or vibing with The Mandalorian? This connection with your audience is at the heart of Jedi-like insight because the more you understand them, the better you can craft content that hits the mark, or in lightsaber terms, makes you feel the power of the force.
Battle scars from the trenches of network marketing since 1988 taught me that a plan without direction is like trying to navigate the galaxy without hyperdriveâaimless and painfully slow. That’s why strategy is the backbone of digital marketing strategy groundwork. Decide on goals, choose platforms wisely (and maybe avoid the metaphorical swamp Pandora of failures), and set schedules to execute like youâre fine-tuning a planet shield on Hoth. Trust me, having an outline as rigid as a stormtrooperâs aim isnât advisableâthe Empire learned that the hard wayâbut be flexible to make necessary adjustments, like dodging asteroids in an unexpected marketing landscape.
Finally, embracing technology is akin to incorporating the latest hologram tech into your lightsaber duels. But, tread carefully because, without the right knowledge, you could accidentally cross the streamsâsorry, wrong reference, but you get it. As a Jedi marketer, it’s vital to know which tools enhance your powers. Whether you’re pivoting like a seasoned dancer between Facebook ad campaigns or connecting with a fanbase over YouTube, your ability to manipulate multimedia and analytics is your secret weapon.
In this world of marketing where algorithms are relentless Sith lords hungry for your presence, you must adapt by harnessing data insights with humility and ease. Remember, the power of the digital marketing strategy groundwork stretches beyond simple numbers; itâs about crafting narratives that resonate and, dare I say, become legendary.
And so, our lightsaber adventure ended with two beautifully glowing weapons of digital instruction and literal light. My husband and I may not be fighting in intergalactic battles, but with each swing through the digital marketing cosmos, we channel the discipline and creativity of a Jedi. So, whether youâre at the starting gate in a network marketing world or launching your first viral campaign, remember that behind every great digital marketer is a robust digital marketing strategy groundwork, culled from the likes of galaxies far, far away. Now go, and may the clicks be ever in your favor.