The Truth About Digital Marketing in MLM

It’s easy to think that digital marketing is the only way to grow a business. Whether you're in doTERRA or any other MLM/network marketing business, it often feels like you’re being told to focus solely on building your brand through Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or email marketing. But the truth is, while digital marketing can be incredibly powerful, relying on it alone may limit your growth potential.

The Digital Marketing Bubble

We’ve all been there—scrolling through social media, watching a live video from a top network marketer, or receiving an email campaign that promises to teach the best way to grow your MLM business online. While these strategies do work for some, there’s a common misconception that digital marketing is the only solution.

Many network marketers are led to believe that social media is the magic key to success, that the number of Instagram followers or Facebook group members directly correlates to business growth. The reality, however, is far more nuanced. Digital marketing is a tool, but like any tool, it needs to be used in conjunction with others to achieve the best results.

While social media and digital strategies are essential, there’s an entire world of potential that’s often overlooked: local area marketing (LAM). This involves engaging with your local community, attending events, networking face-to-face, and building real, personal connections.

Here are a few reasons why incorporating local strategies can take your MLM business to the next level

1. People Still Crave Personal Connection
No matter how connected the world becomes through social media, people still appreciate personal interactions. Human beings are naturally drawn to relationships, trust, and community, which is something digital marketing struggles to replicate. By attending local networking events, hosting small workshops, or simply engaging with people in your community, you can build stronger, more meaningful connections that often translate into lasting business relationships.

2. Building a Local Reputation
Local area marketing allows you to become a known and trusted figure in your area. When you consistently show up at local events or partner with local businesses, you build credibility and trust. In many cases, people are more likely to buy from someone they know personally or have seen active in their community rather than just another online profile.

The Case for Local Area Marketing

3. Tapping Into Untouched Markets
Not everyone is active online. Believe it or not, some people still prefer in-person interactions over digital platforms. By focusing solely on digital marketing, you may be missing out on a substantial demographic that prefers to engage offline. In-person events, pop-up booths, and even word-of-mouth referrals can be incredibly effective for this group.

4. Less Competition in the Local Space
The online world is crowded. Hundreds, if not thousands, of MLM business owners in the same niche are vying for attention. In contrast, many local areas have less competition. By focusing on local marketing strategies, you can establish a stronghold in your area without the constant noise and pressure of digital competition.

The key to success is not choosing one over the other but understanding that a balance of digital and local marketing is the most effective approach. Here’s how you can incorporate both into your strategy:

• Attend Local Networking Events. Seek out local business events, wellness expos, or craft fairs where you can set up a booth or simply connect with like-minded people. You’ll be surprised at how much face-to-face interaction can lead to lasting relationships—and sales.

• Host Local Workshops or Meetups. Offer workshops that focus on your product, whether it’s essential oils, wellness, or any other MLM product. Use these events to educate, demonstrate, and allow attendees to try products firsthand. This type of direct engagement is much harder to achieve online.

• Partner with Local Businesses. Reach out to small businesses in your area and explore potential partnerships. Maybe a local gym would be interested in selling your wellness products or offering a co-hosted event. Local collaborations can expose your business to new audiences in a personal and authentic way.

• Use Digital to Support your Local Marketing Efforts. Yes, digital marketing still plays a role, but think of it as a supporting role in your local efforts. Use social media to share your upcoming local events, post photos of your in-person interactions, or engage with local groups on Facebook. Your online presence should reflect and amplify the relationships and reputation you’re building offline.

Balancing Digital and Local Marketing

At the end of the day, growing an MLM or networking business requires diversity in your marketing strategy. While digital tools can help you reach broader audiences, local marketing allows you to build deeper, more personal connections that can be just as, if not more, valuable in the long run.

So, the next time you’re planning your marketing strategy, remember: it’s not just about how many followers you have online, but how well you’re connecting with people, both online and offline.

Ready to expand your marketing strategy? Let's connect!

Wrapping Up: Think Beyond Digital