How to Create a Successful Digital Marketing Strategy
If you’re searching for “how to make a digital marketing plan” or “how to create a digital marketing strategy,” you’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced business world, having a clear and effective marketing strategy isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for growth.
Whether you’re a small business looking to increase brand awareness, a mid-sized company trying to generate leads, or a B2B brand needing to nurture relationships, a well-crafted digital marketing strategy is your roadmap to success.
Let’s break down exactly how to create a high-performing, goal-driven marketing strategy that gets results.
Step 1: Define Your Goals (Start With the End in Mind)
A digital marketing plan should always start with clear, measurable goals. Ask yourself:
What do I want to achieve? More website traffic? Increased sales? Stronger brand awareness?
Are my goals SMART? (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
How will I measure success? (KPIs like conversion rates, lead generation, or engagement rates)
Example: A Columbus-based business might set a goal to increase website traffic by 30% in six months by optimizing SEO and running local Google Ads targeted at Ohio customers.
Step 2: Know Your Audience (Because Not Everyone is Your Customer)
To market effectively, you need to understand who you’re marketing to. This means going beyond general demographics and getting into customer behaviors, pain points, and motivations.
Who is your ideal customer? (Age, gender, location, interests)
What problems do they have that your product/service solves?
Where do they spend time online? (Social media, Google, YouTube, industry blogs, etc.)
Example: A B2B company might find that their ideal customers spend time on LinkedIn and search Google for “best project management software,” meaning SEO and LinkedIn ads should be prioritized.
Step 3: Choose the Right Marketing Channels (Where the Magic Happens)
Not all platforms will be the right fit for your business. You need to focus on the digital marketing channels that align with your goals and where your audience already is.
SEO & Blogging (Long-term strategy for organic traffic)
Social Media Marketing (Great for engagement, brand awareness, and community building)
Email Marketing (Perfect for nurturing leads and retaining customers)
Paid Advertising (Immediate visibility and lead generation)
Video Marketing (Short-form like Reels/TikTok or long-form like YouTube)
Example: A local restaurant may focus on Instagram, TikTok, and Google Business Profile updates, while a B2B company may see better ROI on LinkedIn Ads and content marketing.
Step 4: Create High-Quality Content (Content That Converts)
Great marketing relies on great content. Your content should be educational, engaging, and aligned with what your audience is searching for.
What problems can you solve with your content?
What types of content will resonate best? (Blogs, videos, infographics, case studies, etc.)
Are you repurposing content across multiple platforms?
Example: If your audience frequently searches “how to create a digital marketing plan,” write a detailed SEO-optimized blog post, then break it down into social posts, email newsletters, and video content.
Step 5: Optimize Your Website & Landing Pages (Because First Impressions Matter)
Even the best marketing efforts won’t work if your website isn’t optimized for conversions. Make sure:
Your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate
Every page has a clear call-to-action (CTA) (ex: “Get a Free Quote” or “Schedule a Consultation”)
Landing pages are designed to convert visitors into leads/customers
Example: A service-based business should have a clear contact form on every page to capture leads and nurture them via email follow-ups.
Step 6: Track & Measure Results (Data > Guesswork)
Your digital marketing strategy should never be set and forget. You need to track your KPIs and adjust accordingly.
What tools will you use to measure success? (Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager, HubSpot, etc.)
What metrics matter most? (Traffic, conversions, bounce rates, engagement, ROI)
How often will you review and adjust your strategy? (Weekly, monthly, quarterly?)
Example: If your Google Ads CTR is low, try different headlines and ad copy. If social media engagement is lagging, experiment with video content or interactive posts.
Building a successful digital marketing strategy takes time, strategy, and execution. But the key is staying agile, tracking your data, and always keeping your audience’s needs in mind.
At Midsole Marketing, we help businesses craft custom digital marketing plans that drive real growth—from lead generation to brand awareness and customer retention.
Want expert help mapping out your digital marketing plan? Let’s chat! Book a free consultation today.