Digital Marketing 101 for Entrepreneurs Over 50

I know I have some experienced entrepreneurs listening today but I want to start this episode with the basics for those who are new to the entrepreneurial journey. Let’s start with the obvious question: What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing is any form of marketing that uses electronic devices or the internet to reach and engage potential customers. The good news is, you’re already using the internet – whether it’s checking your email, browsing social media, or searching for information online. Now, imagine using these platforms and tools to grow your business.

For entrepreneurs over 50, digital marketing might sound overwhelming, but it’s actually simpler than it seems. We’re going to break it down into 4 key areas: SEO, social media, email marketing, and content strategy. We will dive into each of these area in upcoming episodes but today is all about making sure that you understand the basics for these concepts.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – Making Your Website Discoverable

Let’s start with SEO, which stands for Search Engine Optimization. SEO is the process of making your website and content more visible on search engines like Google or Bing. When someone types in a search term that relates to your business, you want to appear in those results.

Pro Tip: While there are a ton of things you can do to improve your SEO , start with focusing on keywords that are relevant to your business. If you offer coaching for women over 50, your target audience might search for terms like "life coaching for women over 50" or "starting a business after 50." By using these keywords in your website’s text, blog posts, and product descriptions, you help search engines know what your site is about, making it easier for people to find you.

Another way to improve your SEO is by ensuring your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly – nobody wants to wait long for a page to open, especially on a mobile phone.

Social Media – Building Relationships with Your Audience

Next, let’s talk a little about social media. Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and even TikTok offer an incredible way to connect with your ideal customers. As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to pick one or two platforms where your audience hangs out the most and focus your energy there.

For example, LinkedIn is a great platform if you’re in a B2B business, whereas Instagram or Facebook is perfect for lifestyle or product-based businesses.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to be everywhere – focus on the platforms where you can connect most with your target audience.

How to Get Started:

• Set up a professional profile with clear, engaging content that showcases your expertise and personality. For those experienced entrepreneurs, check you profiles and make sure that the links are still relevant.

• Post consistently – even a few times a week helps you stay visible.

• Engage with your audience by responding to comments, joining conversations, and sharing valuable tips or insights.

Remember, social media isn’t just about pushing your products; it’s about building relationships and offering value.

Email Marketing – Nurturing Your List

Now, let’s talk about email marketing, which is still one of the most powerful ways to connect with your audience. Building an email list allows you to communicate directly with your audience and keep them informed about your services, products, or upcoming offers.

Pro Tip: Offer something valuable in exchange for email sign-ups, such as a free guide, discount, or access to a webinar. This is known as a lead magnet, and it’s a great way to start growing your email list.

Once you have your email list, send regular, engaging content. This could be newsletters, tips, or product updates. You can’t always send emails that scream buy my product or service. The key is to stay consistent and offer real value so your subscribers look forward to hearing from you.

Content Strategy – Creating Valuable Content

Last but certainly not least is content strategy. Content is king when it comes to digital marketing. It’s not just about selling – it’s about providing value through blog posts, videos, podcasts, or even infographics.

Here’s how you can get started with content marketing:

• Create blog posts or videos that address common questions or problems your audience faces.

• Share customer success stories or behind-the-scenes videos about your business.

• Repurpose your content across different platforms (turn a blog post into a video, or create a graphic for Instagram).

The goal is to build trust and position yourself as an expert in your field. Don’t worry if you’re not a professional writer or videographer – just focus on being authentic and helpful.

Digital marketing doesn’t have to be daunting, and it’s never too late to start. Whether you’re focused on SEO, social media, email marketing, or content strategy, these tools are accessible to everyone – and they can help you grow your business in powerful ways.

As we wrap up, here’s a quick action step: pick one area to focus on this week. Maybe you’ll start optimizing your website for SEO, set up a Facebook page, or create a simple email marketing campaign. Small steps add up to big progress!