“Where do I start with marketing my small business”?
Understanding that it can be an incredibly daunting task trying to decide on how best to market your businesses here are some tips to get you started!
Long Term
1. Craft a great marketing message.
When posed the question, ‘what is it that you are known for?’ many small business owners will immediately gravitate towards what they think are differentiators like ‘service, price & location however its important to identify what makes your business REMARKABLE. Using this differentiator to base your core marketing message on will resonate more with potential customers.
2. Make sure you have a great website.
Websites are one of the first places that a potential customer decides whether or not they want to do business with you. Before you start, do some homework to get to know and understand your customers so you can create a site that welcomes them to your business. Ensure that your site is a reflection of your brand, and it represents what your customers want.
3. Build a data base
At every opportunity you should be collecting as much information about your customers as possible. It is vitally important that as your business grows you gain a strong understanding of who your customers are, where they are and where your products fit into the equation.
Social media is a great long term branding tool however to many small business owners get lured into using it as a short term promotional tool. Sure, sending an offer out through Facebook or Twitter might generate some great one off customers but it’s the brands that engage with a longer term strategy that are really leveraging the power of social. Use social to share resources, engage with your audience and create a loyal customer base.
Short term
You can engage in the following activities as soon as possible, even while you’re building your long-term foundation, but the more solid your foundation, the better results you’ll see.
1. Network Marketing
Meeting people in the flesh has much greater impact than conversing over social or email. Look for networking groups who’s members may have the desire or need for your products and services. Attend events regularly and don’t be afraid to get involved socially with the group.
2. Speaking Engagements
If you have identified yourself as an expert in your field, look for opportunities to impart your knowledge onto others. Teach a course or lecture at a seminar. Position yourself as the go to person for people wanting information about your products and services.
3. Referrals
Don’t prey for them to come! Ask for them. Every time you complete a sale or complete a project for a customer, ask them to introduce you to someone they know that may benefit from your products or services.
Digital marketing is an essential part of any successful marketing strategy. Build awareness and interest in your products and services by running targeted advertising campaigns while making it easy for customers to find you online when searching for your products and services by ensuring your search engine rankings are as strong as they can be.
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