Marketing is easily one of the most important things when it comes to owning any type of business. It really doesn’t matter whether you’re selling mascara or property – if your marketing campaign isn’t good enough, then it’s not going to be a success – it’s as simple as that.
When it comes to successful marketing, it’s not a one strand mission. There are so many different aspects of marketing that you need to do in order to ensure your business is as successful as it possibly can be. If you’re a small business owner, then here are the top marketing tips and tricks you should be adhering to.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Planning is imperative in ensuring the overall success of any small business venture. As we said, it doesn’t matter if you’re selling houses by using this company, or you’re advertising your own cruelty-free vegan mascara – planning is going to make a difference.
A good business plan involves knowing the ins and outs of what your business does, who it helps, and what sets it apart from the competition. By planning these details, only then can you build a successful marketing campaign surrounding them – it’s as simple as that. Knowing your target audience and their wants and needs inside out is every bit as important as having a good business idea, as without them your business will cease to exist.
Likewise, as it’s important to understand your potential clientele, it’s important to understand your competitors too. Look at what they do well, what they perhaps do not so well, and figure out what you can do to fill that gap. It might be difficult initially, as well established companies tend to take up the vast majority of business in the early days – however if you figure out what it is they’re lacking, and therefore can provide what they do and more – you’re already setting yourself apart from the competition. After all, isn’t that the goal?
Build a Website
Another crucially important element of marketing is building your own website. If this isn’t your area of expertise – then don’t panic – there are a wealth of tools and resources out there to help you. Even if you have to hire a professional, it’s vital that you do it. The vast majority of business is conducted, and clients are picked up online nowadays, and if you’re not a part of that, then you’re going to find yourself missing out on a lot of good business opportunities and falling behind the competition.
Your website is the 2019 equivalent of the shop window. It’s where potential consumers can browse what it is that you have on offer, and evaluate whether or not it’s use to them.
Of course, aside from what you offer, there are other ways of creating a more appealing campaign. For example, easy to use and attractive websites, although it might sound superficial, are far more likely to draw potential clients in than a website that’s unattractive and difficult to use. The first step is without a doubt attractive potential customers, so don’t underestimate its importance.
Use Social Media
Despite all of the bad press that social media tends to get, we’re going to offer an alternative viewpoint today on how helpful social media can actually be – particularly to small business owners.
Think about how many people in the world are on social media right now, scrolling aimlessly through their phones. If you’re looking for somewhere to advertise in this day and age, surely there really isn’t a better place to do it?
Pages like Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram now have options for a “professional” page as opposed to a personal one, so create one of these, and get sharing! Encourage friends, family and acquaintances whom are your online friends to share it too – and you never know how far it could go. It’s the cheapest, easiest, and one of the most effective forms of marketing in the twenty first century, so give it a go.
Keep on Networking
Finally, remember to keep on networking.
Business is a dog eat dog world and therefore it never hurts to have friends and confidants in the game to help you out when times get tough, and offer you advice when you’re just starting out. Even when you’re well established, keeping in touch with these contacts can help with the longevity of your business. It’s no bad thing to have friends and know your competition.
