Category: Marketing

How long does it take to see digital marketing results?

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When it comes to digital marketing, everyone is in a rush to see results.

It makes sense, but you should know that results will not show immediately. Anyone can manipulate links, automate content, or use other black-hat search engine optimization (SEO) tactics to get temporary results.

But that’s not what you want. You want real customers, real conversions, and real revenue.

So, here’s what you need to know about seeing real, meaningful, and lasting results.

Digital marketing isn’t a one-time thing. It isn’t overnight. It is in-it-for-the-long-haul marketing.

Digital marketing efforts take time and expertise. Best practices focus on long-term strategies rather than quick fixes—meaning that you need to be ready to make the investment in your company’s future.

Any SEO or digital marketing agency that is promising quick fixes and faster results is likely making promises they can’t keep or employing black-hat SEO tactics that could result in your site being penalized by search engines.

It can take months to begin seeing the results of your digital marketing efforts.

You need to stick with a digital marketing strategy for about six to twelve months before you start to see meaningful results. It can take even longer if you are not fixing all aspects of your site (from backlinks to content to user experience), posting frequently, or providing high-quality content.

The length of time it takes to see results depends on several factors.

Where you start, your industry, your competitors, your budget, and your digital marketing focus areas can all have a big impact.

Where You Start

You have a reputation with Google, and depending on what that reputation is, it can take a long time to build or rebuild your trust and credibility. You can’t change your reputation overnight.

Industry and Competitors

If your competitors have a strong online presence, it will be harder for you to outrank them. Further, if your competitors are making changes online—good or bad—it can affect your company’s rankings and traffic. You don’t have to be perfect; you just need to be better than your competitors. If your business has an inferior product or service, your digital marketing efforts will most likely be unsuccessful. On the other hand, if you have a good product or service, digital marketing can help you find and convert new audiences.

Budget

Many companies underestimate how much time and money it takes to be successful with digital marketing. A higher budget means more time spent on digital marketing efforts—and the more time you put in, the faster you will see results. 

Focus Areas

Digital marketing is a long-term commitment, regardless of your focus areas. This is because one type of service is simply not enough. While you might see faster results with pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns than with SEO, you lose all of that business once you stop PPC. Therefore, you want to make sure your company’s PPC and SEO campaigns align. In other words, the ever-changing digital marketing ecosystem requires an expansive approach.

Digital marketing success is a journey, not a destination.

When you finally start seeing results and reaching your goals, you can’t let up or go back to your old ways. Instead, maintaining your online presence requires a commitment to the continuous implementation of your digital marketing strategy.

An effective digital marketing strategy measures goals, and when those goals are met, new goals are set. It’s a recursive process—and an investment in the long-term health of your company’s online presence.

Are you ready to get started?

If you are looking for a quick fix or immediate results, Metric Marketing is not a good fit for you. But if you’re looking for a partner who is committed to working alongside you to help your business succeed online, that’s right up our alley. Connect with us to start the conversation.