Chaos? It’s just another name for the bustling metropolis that digital marketing stands for in today’s landscape. Shiny new tactics cleverly pop out daily, promising clicks to fast track brand dominance. But amidst this hustle, it becomes conveniently easy for digital marketers globally, to forget that ethical practices are the foundation to a thriving online presence, and the road to clean and fair digital marketing.
Here’s a guide to equip your digital marketing practice with the right tools to navigate the ethical minefield and build a client base that trusts you (along with their customers, of course.)
Ethical digital marketing isn’t just a good to have nicety, but a game-changer. Here’s why:
Ethical digital marketing boosts your brand reputation.
Today’s consumers are savvy. They can sense a broken authenticity from figurative miles away. Want to build a trustworthy and loyal image? Ethical practices will be your bedrock to a strong brand reputation.
Why waste that hard earned cash on penalties?
“Over the counter” SEO tactics might be a great way to get temporary traffic spikes (and adrenaline rushes), but getting caught while implementing these can lead to hefty penalties and a long-term blow on your strategies.
Grab the best talents in the market.
Clean practices resonate with the so-called creamy layer of talented marketers who wish to be a part of something meaningful. Demonstrating your commitment to doing things the right way can get you a workforce that can optimally contribute to your growth.
Here’s some actionable tips you can go through (and maybe administer) to keep your digital marketing practice on the straight and narrow:
With great data, comes great responsibility: Data is definitely tempting, but it’s never right to violate a user’s boundaries to get to it. Make sure you get explicit consent before collecting user data, and use it responsibly, clearly keeping data privacy regulations in mind.
Transparency is key: Be upfront with your clients about strategies, costs and expected results. It’s only fair, and ideal.
Content and integrity go hand-in-hand: Avoid clickbait tactics, however useful they may seem, and refrain from propagating misleading information. Focus on crafting compelling content that educates, informs, and entertains.
They’re called “influencers” for a reason: Prioritise partnering with influencers that align with the brand values and resonate with your target audience, and avoid inauthentic endorsements for the sake of reach.
Don’t run behind instant gratification: It’s easy (and addictive) to get caught up in the quick-win mentality. Learn to focus on long-term value, and strive to build a sustainable growth for your clients, executing ethical strategies that put user experience and brand reputation in the front seat.
Your digital marketing practice can stand out in the crowd, and become a beacon of excellence by embracing ethical practices. It will lead to attracting the best clients, and achieving sustainable success in the evolving digital marketing landscape.
At Three Percent Collective, we strive to be responsible citizens of the digital world. Reach out to us if you’re looking to partner with a practice that keeps it clean!
