Digital marketing in SMEs via data-driven strategies: Reviewing the current state of research

Abstract

The development of the Internet and the implementation of traditional marketing strategies have given rise to the emergence of digital marketing strategies exploited both by SMEs and large companies. These companies combine data sciences with digital marketing strategies to sell products, generate brand awareness, or access new markets. The present study aims to understand the role and use of data science by SMEs in their online marketing performance. The research method used in this study is a systematic literature review. The data were analyzed using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) in the programming language R. Based on the results, we identify a total of seven state-of-the-art uses of data science in digital marketing used by SMEs in their online marketing strategies that are graphically represented and analyzed. In addition, four future lines of research are proposed and discussed to understand the direction of the next steps that SMEs should take to successfully develop their digital strategies. Finally, the review concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for further research on the influence and use of data sciences in SMEs' online marketing performance.