Trib Total Media to host free digital marketing program for businesses, entrepreneurs

Business owners and entrepreneurs seeking efficient and effective solutions to help reinvigorate their businesses as covid restrictions loosen can learn digital marketing tactics, trends and strategies during a virtual program Friday that will help them reach their marketing goals.

“We want to help our advertising partners as the region and the world are starting to reopen,” said Lindsay B. Bock, marketing director for Trib Total Media, parent company of the Tribune-Review. “There are a variety of ways that they can successfully market themselves.”

The hour-long “Re-OPEN for Business — How to Market Your Business as the World Starts to Reopen” will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday. Registration for the free online program, sponsored by 535 Media, is available at tickets.triblive.com.

Bill Talerico, founder of the Talerico Group, a Pittsburgh-based consulting firm that helps business grow, will be the moderator. Jessica Jones, director of research and strategy for 535 Media, and Troy Piekarski, director of digital revenue and publisher services for 535 Media, will offer advice on best tactics to navigate the digital marketing world.

It is important now to understand and take advantage of the digital marketing environment because consumer markets have changed in the past year with so many people working from home and buying online, Bock said.

“Common stats will tell you that close to 90% of all shoppers begin buying decisions on the internet before even leaving their homes, with over 80% researching the reputation of businesses before making their purchases. Digital marketing strategy and online reputation are absolutely critical,” Piekarski said.

Jones and Piekarski will present the program in a manner that will be informative to experienced digital marketers and understandable to those who are just entering that environment, Bock said.

The program will show participants how to make sure their business appears over the internet within a reasonable footprint as potential customers seek products and services. Participants will have a chance to learn how to tap into what are referred to as “passive buyers” — potential customers for a company’s goods and services who could be reached even before they start to make a purchase, based on their interests and behaviors.

“Research shows that businesses need a solid marketing mix to reach their target audience. Digital marketing is ever-evolving and can be a little intimidating,” Jones said. “We’re here to help.”