“The only constant is change.” This phrase is one we’ve encountered many times.
Building on this, it’s safe to say that digital marketing has captured the attention of many brands, and advertising investments are increasingly being directed toward digital platforms.
But when does digital investment convert into sales? Does being present in the digital space directly increase sales? And how does a brand’s presence on social media affect its sales?
When we shine a light on these questions, the answer is, as in life, short-term “no,” and long-term “yes.” In simpler terms, investing in digital marketing pays off, but patience is required. In Turkey, many brands fail to get what they expect from digital platforms because they aim for short-term results or fail to invest consciously over the long term.
As my team and I often discuss with brands, actions that do not translate into sales and invoices hold little value. A company that does not generate sales might as well operate like a nonprofit organization.
How to Make Proper Digital Investments?
- Start with a Strong Domain and Website:
A good domain and a well-designed website are crucial weapons and the cornerstone of digital marketing. All mechanisms work to support the website, including SEO, AdWords, social networks, microsites, and advergames. The success of these can even be tracked on platforms like www.alexa.com.However, we’ve seen websites with high traffic but no sales and others with average traffic but consistent sales. This proves that traffic alone doesn’t guarantee sales. The key is meeting the consumer’s needs and providing value.If your website fails to offer something useful, visitors will merely look and leave. In this sense, traffic matters only to a point; beyond that, it’s about aligning product and value effectively.We often remind sales and marketing teams to identify customer needs and offer solutions accordingly. Traffic alone doesn’t drive sales — the product-value equation must be carefully crafted.
What’s the Ideal Timeframe?
From our observations, brands that invest in social networks and quality websites often start seeing added benefits to their sales within 12 months.
A brand that builds awareness over this time can use campaigns or promotions to drive sales, creating measurable impact. For example, after 18 months of consistent digital advertising, social media presence, and customer support via phone, we observed a direct correlation between highlighted products and sales increases within the same week.
This demonstrates that while time is critical, other factors like promotion and service also play significant roles.
Is Advertising Still Alive in Digital?
Absolutely. Traditional advertising finds new life in digital spaces when fueled by strategic thinking. While traditional ads merely state their message, digital advertising not only communicates but also follows up and seeks results.
Advertising isn’t dead in the digital age, but it has evolved, requiring new strategies and approaches.
Does Social Media Influence Sales?

This frequently asked question always hits the bullseye: Does social media investment lead to sales? The answer is that social media isn’t a direct sales platform but a powerful tool to guide potential buyers toward conversion.
Social commerce is a growing trend, with platforms like Pinterest and Instagram playing a significant role. For instance, we’ve seen direct sales happening through these channels, especially among women.
Think of social media as a marketplace. To attract attention, you need to “shout” about your products creatively and effectively. Without compelling campaigns or engaging activities, you’ll simply be another quiet vendor.
To succeed, organize campaigns, competitions, or events that excite and attract your target audience. We’ve seen even the most traditional marketers become believers after witnessing successful social media-driven sales efforts.
Advice for Advertisers
- Be patient: Results take time, especially in digital marketing.
- Work with knowledgeable agencies and consultants: Ensure your partners understand digital marketing inside out.
- Monitor digital purchases: Stay informed and involved.
- Value digital marketing: Embrace its importance and stay open to innovation.
- Follow digital trends: Stay ahead by keeping up with new developments.
In conclusion, the landscape of marketing and sales has changed fundamentally. Advertising remains an essential part of this shift, as people eagerly wait for brands to present them with value and solutions. With the average Facebook user spending 15 hours and 33 minutes per month on the platform, there’s a massive opportunity to engage.
So, excite them, attract them, and make their lives easier with your products.
Good luck! 🙂
This article was originally published on www.sefakarahan.com.