The nice thing about marketing is that you don’t need an extensive degree to find a solution that works for your business. Every company is different and must market itself in different ways. However, there are some core principles that are universal. Marketing for small business will require you to build a plan, stick to it, and apply the time and resources needed to make it successful.
Here are a few tips to help you become a skilled marketer:
Research Your Market and develop Marketing for Small Business
When building a successful business, it’s important to start with a strong foundation. You will need to identify your ideal buyer and fine-tune your messaging to engage with them. Doing so will allow you to target the right consumers with your message and grow your business in the process.
You don’t need to focus all of your research on yourself. Check out what your competitors are doing and identify their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you generate marketing ideas for yourself as well as find opportunities to win over new customers. You may be able to find a niche that they are missing out on.
Work on Your Web Appeal
Focus on the consumer begins online. Make your web-based efforts optimal for customer use. By making your website and other online listings accurate and easy to navigate, you are not only making it easier for the customer to find information, but you’re giving your SEO a boost as well.
Amp Up Your Social Efforts
With 76% of American adults using social media, your presence on social platforms needs to shine. This means keeping your information up-to-date and collecting reviews. Social media is a good tool to use to amplify your customers’ word of mouth.
The review section of Google, Facebook, etc. is where your customers talk about their experiences. It’s also where potential customers go to get a better understanding of the service you provide.
According to GE Capital Retail Bank’s second annual Major Purchase Shopper Study, when it comes to purchasing a big-ticket item, 81% of consumers do their research online before visiting a store. They spend an average of 79 days gathering information before making the purchase.
With this research happening on social media, encourage your happy clients to leave you a review online. By keeping your reviews current and positive, your local SEO will get a lift and more customers will be led to your door.
Build a Strong Team
A business is only as good as it’s customer service. Salesforce says it well, “Be sure to do everything in your power to keep your consumers informed, on the move, and—above all—happy. If your company is responsive and friendly, and provides timely, relevant information when the customer needs it, you’ll build a reputation for consistent good service.”
Treat your customer well. If you can provide them with what they are looking for when they need it, you can build trust between your business and that trust will ultimately lead to loyalty.
Improve the online reputation of your business with RAY
Do you want people to speak well of your brand online? With an adequate strategy you can improve the user experience and with it, the online presence of your business.
The best: you don’t have to spend all your time on homework. You only need the right tool.
