Inbound marketing strategies have led many companies toward success. Unfortunately, misconceptions about this advertising technique have also pushed just has many companies to fail. To make the most of this marketing style, there are three common misconceptions you need to identify and disregard for your ad plan.

It’s All Billboards and Commercials

Most people think of inbound marketing as mostly billboards, television ads, and telemarketing. But for high engagement products like auto parts or hiking equipment, these won’t work well due to customer behavior. Customers take the time to research reviews and features for high-engagement products. So it’s not enough to gain their attention through billboards and commercials.

Content Entails Just Blogging

Technology has made it much more common for people to consume an assortment of content and make purchase decisions from the comfort of their couch. This creates a need to develop content that continually engages and informs your audience. Content is anything that is auditory, visual, or written. This can include social media posts, blog posts, website info, and videos.

It Has an Aggressive Sales Focus

An inbound marketing strategy centers around informing customers and helping solve their issues. By creating educational content on your product, you’re adding value to your customer’s buying journey and helping inform their purchase decision. The strategy is great because it’s malleable to the audience you cater to. Have a high engagement product like auto parts? Detailed blogs or social media content outlining your product features will work well. Have a low engagement product like fashion accessories? Entertaining Facebook videos will build a brand culture your consumer will want to identify with.

If you think an inbound marketing strategy is right for your company, work with a business coach to point your plan in the right direction. AFEUSA members can utilize their exclusive gosmallbiz.com discount to ensure their set for success with their marketing plans.