If you ask the Internet how long it takes to see digital marketing results, three months is the minimum answer.
But is this true? Why does it take this long? And is this timeline shifting as digital marketing platforms evolve?
We break down all of these questions in our latest video, which you can find at the bottom of this article. But we have also written out our explanation.
The Three-Month Rule: Fact or Fiction?
The time it takes for digital marketing results to show up is not set in stone, but three months is a realistic timeline. Here is what your campaign is doing during each of those three months:
- Month One: This is the time needed to set up your campaign, which includes obtaining or creating assets like photos and graphics, building a digital marketing strategy, and setting up your campaign on the platforms that you’re using. The platform will also approve your ad during this time.
- Month Two: Use this time to tweak your campaign to ensure it’s optimized. This is also when you are trying to establish a benchmark for your campaign, which you’ll use to generate ideas for improving it.
- Month Three: This is when you will start to see what kind of business your campaign will bring in in a typical month. This is when you should measure your ROI and determine whether you should continue your campaign.
This timeline gives campaigns a chance to mature and start showing meaningful results. However, other factors can shift this timeline in either direction.
3 Things That Lengthen The Time It Takes To See Digital Marketing Results
You could put together an airtight digital marketing campaign, but other factors can lengthen the time it takes to see results.
Here are three of the most common ones we see:
- A New Product or Service
If you are marketing a brand-new product or service, expect the time for digital marketing results to be longer. We need these extra days to determine who your customers are and how to reach them effectively.
Here are other reasons why marketing a new product or service may take longer to see results:
- Lack of historical data: Without previous campaign data, algorithms need more time to learn and optimize.
- Brand awareness: Building recognition for a new product from scratch requires more time and exposure.
- Testing and iteration: You may need extra time to test different messaging, visuals, and targeting strategies.
- A Missing Piece to Your Business Strategy
Sometimes, the problem may not lie with the digital marketing campaign but with the overall business strategy. There may not be an audience for your product or service.
Because of this, we recommend that you start a new digital marketing campaign with an existing product or service that you know performs well.
That way, you can properly evaluate what makes it take longer to achieve digital marketing results: Is it your strategy, agency, or something else?
3. Evolving Platform Algorithms
The digital marketing platforms we use are constantly evolving. The way they currently function makes it take longer to see digital marketing results.
This is because they are disincentivizing users from tweaking campaigns too much in the early days of a campaign.
Most platforms have a “learning” phase where they optimize your ad delivery. Making frequent campaign adjustments can reset the learning phase, extending your results time.
Since it takes longer to make tweaks, it can also take longer to optimize your ad campaign.
The Exception To The Three-Month Rule
While understanding the typical time frame for digital marketing results is crucial, there are exceptions.
You might see faster results if you have a hot new product and a loyal existing customer base.
You can target your existing audience with ads or other digital marketing methods (social media, email, etc.), which will then train your digital marketing platform to understand what kind of person is visiting your site and biting on your offer.
The Bottom Line On Your Digital Marketing Results Timeline
So, how long does it really take to see digital marketing results? While three months is a good rule of thumb, the honest answer is it depends. Your product, market, and existing customer base all play a role. The key is to be patient and start small.
Remember, miracles are rare in the digital marketing world. It often takes time to see substantial results. But with the right strategy, you can achieve impressive ROI and sustainable growth.
Watch our video below to learn more about a realistic digital marketing results timeline.
And if you are ready to start a digital marketing campaign, reach out to us! We’re here to help you navigate the world of digital advertising and achieve the results you deserve – in the right amount of time.
