How to convince an "Old Timer" about the importance of digital marketing?

Kinda repost from another site, but looking for diverse opinions.


Here’s the story:


My friend’s dad is partners of a huge import agricultural company. They are in the business importing millions of dollars worth of produce every year. NOT in the US. However, they haven’t been doing well. They have a badly designed website, but no other digital presence. No SEO. No Blog. No Social Media. No LinkedIn. Nothing. Heck, if you type the brand’s name, NOTHING even pops up in google. They could be fake for all that matters. Their excuse is that they are in the “agriculture B2B business” so they dont need it.


Now, while I am no big agency, I am comfortable in what I know about branding and digital marketing. I am constantly reading and practicing. Also, with a bigger budget, I can outsource to better talent.


Here’s my question. I know how to convince someone who is even remotely aware of the digital landscape. However, my friend’s dad doesn’t know jack shit. Keep in mind he also speaks LITTLE English.

So, what can I send him document wise to prove the importance of this? HE IS ALREADY ON BOARD, but just needs something to show his partners that this is worth the investment.


Thanks guys. Looking forward to hearing some answers.

 

saw this already ion another forum asked...

 

I'm not allowed to ask the same question here?

 

I can completely understand your situation. Here are my suggestions: -

1- You can go to Google and search for "importance of Digital Marketing" or "Increase your sales through Digital Marketing" or "why digital marketing is important for any online business or website" then share that information with him.

2- You can show the Google keyword tool and share how many people or buyers are searching for their products on the internet.

3- Share any case study of the same business how they increased their revenue using the digital marketing.

Visit here http://www.manojnegi.in/top-reasons-hire-digital-marketing-consultant/ to know the top reasons to hire a digital marketing consultant which may help you to convince them.

Cheers!

 

First, ask their permission to set up pages that will cost them nothing or very little (Linkedin, facebook business page, twitter). I'd set them up in their native language. If they are happy with their social media presence, they'd probably be more open to spend $$ on a new website. To prove the importance of social media and web pretense I'd research their business related keywords and the search volume those keywords get each month online (you can use AdWords keyword planner or something similar).

 

How about showing him a competitor's wesbsite? My customers sometimes say "we need it, because our competition has it"