I wonder how many of my peers remember that...? Shortly after E-Dumela’s introduction, we gravitated towards another platform called Hi-5, leaving E-Dumela to die a silent death. At that time, we knew these platforms as chatrooms. I can't quite recall the features of these platforms, but my photographic memory associates some orange colour with Hi-5. After what seemed to be a short while, Facebook became the new sensation. Initially, it was just a chatroom but with more capacity than Hi-5, and it looked cooler for us university students. One distinct thing about all this is that there was no module or syllabus in our curriculum on digital marketing. I vaguely remember the term being mentioned, but it wasn’t a focus—not by a long shot. Fast forward to a little over 15 years later, and digital marketing has become a phenomenon—the phenomenon. It's such a powerful tool globally that when Marketing and Public Relations departments draw up their budgets, they always include it. The rise of influencers and social media platforms has transformed the marketing landscape, and this is just a small part of what digital marketing entails.
From Facebook dominating the scene to the birth of Instagram, and now the latest sensation, TikTok, social media has evolved tremendously. Yet, some organisations in Botswana are still hesitant to fully utilise these platforms. Why, I wonder? Social media has taken the world by storm, with big brands collectively investing billions in digital marketing. With the increasing prevalence of technology and the internet, traditional marketing strategies are gradually being overshadowed by the immense potential and effectiveness of digital marketing techniques. Local businesses must align their marketing strategies with digital platforms to thrive in this new era. Digital marketing doesn’t just promise growth—it delivers tangible results. Unlike traditional advertising methods, it provides measurable outcomes, whether through website traffic, click-through rates, or conversion metrics. For instance, a small bakery in Gaborone can track the exact number of customers who placed orders after seeing an Instagram reel. Such insights allow businesses to refine their strategies, ensuring their resources are spent effectively. A great example of leveraging digital marketing is KFC Botswana, which uses social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok to run interactive campaigns that connect with younger audiences. From challenges encouraging customer participation to creative content showcasing their products, KFC has managed to keep its brand top-of-mind while driving sales.
Their engagement highlights how businesses can amplify their reach by tapping into social media’s viral potential. While social media is a dominant force, it’s only one aspect of digital marketing. Businesses in Botswana can explore other tools such as email marketing for personalised customer interactions, search engine optimisation (SEO) to improve visibility on Google, and Google Ads for targeted advertising. Additionally, content marketing, such as blogs or podcasts, can position brands as thought leaders in their industries. For e-commerce businesses, tools like WhatsApp Business offer direct customer engagement and streamlined sales processes. As we move further into the digital age, the significance of digital marketing will only continue to grow. Its ability to connect businesses with a global audience, deliver targeted messages, and provide measurable results has transformed the way marketing is approached. Embracing digital marketing strategies is no longer a choice but a necessity for businesses that want to thrive in the modern era. I encourage all local organisations to explore this phenomenon and fully utilise it to grow their brand and remain competitive. By harnessing the power of digital platforms, investing in the right tools, and staying ahead of the curve, businesses can position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The gold mine is there—it's time to dig in.
