With the proper messaging and targeted distribution channels, you will increase your customer base. A comprehensive marketing strategy is a roadmap to success as it will help define the marketing budget and help to determine a return on investment.
Here are 7 Tips to help with small business marketing
- Get Organized
- Claim Your Business
- Define Your Brand Positioning
- Review Website Content
- Social media
- Networking Events
- Advertise
Get Organized
Build a plan and budget. Your plan should include defining what your ideal customer looks like, and what content (blogs, videos, white papers, case studies, etc) you are going to publish and distribute. For example, will you be publishing via social media channels, email newsletters, Google Ad campaigns, or in-person events? Your marketing plan will be the roadmap to keep your year focused, timely, and on budget.
Claim Your Business
It is important to Claim Your Business on the Google search engine. You want to be in control of the information that Google provides in your listing. If that information isn’t correct, and Google is displaying that information it can hurt those customers searching for your business.
You can easily Claim Your Business.
Brand Positioning
As a marketing strategy, Brand Positioning involves defining your company in the minds of your consumers. Stating what differentiates you from your competitors, will help to set your business apart. Be clear and intentional with this. If you take the time to reflect and define your brand’s position then the other pieces of marketing will begin to fall into place more easily. You will have created a clear vision and now will know how to message and who to target with that messaging.
Review Website Content
Reviewing the copy, images, and other digital assets on your website is an important evaluation that should be done with a steady cadence. By refreshing, editing, and rewriting content on your website you can sprinkle in keywords to aid in your search engine optimization which will help people find your website and your rankings on Google. Use this opportunity to also refresh, the images, videos, and other pieces of content on your site to add to a refreshing new facelift.
Social Media
Small Business owners often rely on the common practice of “word of mouth” referrals. While this tactic pre-dates Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, Instagram, and other social media platforms, it still is very much a portion of your social network. Consider your social media plan to be how you share about your business just like you would if you were talking to other industry professionals and/or friends. The most important factor to consider with social media is to be consistent. Determine what will work for you, is that 2 posts a week or is it 5 days a week? And then stick to that. You don’t need to be regimented in the fact that on Monday we post at 9 am, but just rather than on Monday, we publish a post. Have some fun here, but also be mindful.
Learn more about Building a Social Media Foundation
Networking Events
Getting plugged into local and regional professional networking groups & events creates opportunities to speak with others about your business. Local Chambers and other organizations are a great way to get involved in your community, and also meet other individuals or businesses who may need your products or services.
Advertise
Both traditional and digital (online) advertising are good methods for expanding your reach and finding new customers/clients. To be successful though, be targeted about where you are spending your advertising budget. Build an audience profile on who is your best customer and then determine the best method for reaching similar people. Capitalizing on the power of Google and running Google ads is a wonderful way to be highly selective and targeted. During the initial phases of any campaign, there is always a bit of trial and error, so plan accordingly, monitor, and make adjustments.
Building a marketing plan that works with your overall business strategy will help your small business grow. Implementing these seven steps are small but mighty levers to pull with your marketing efforts. If time is the greatest deterrent to marketing your business, we can help. Our team of marketers can work with you to build a strategy, a content marketing plan, a monthly social media calendar, and manage Google advertising in collaboration with your small business objectives. Contact Us Today to learn more, or give us a call at (800) 317-1378 x14.