Marketing can be challenging when you’re trying to run your own business. It’s a worthwhile investment, though, as it will help your business to grow and thrive. Here are 10 tips for marketing that you can start using today:
1. Use your logo
This one may seem obvious to some people, but there are a lot of small businesses that don’t use their logo! Logos are an important part of any business (wondering why? Check out this post) and having a logo that you don’t use won’t help you. A big part of marketing is making sure people know who you are and remember it. If they never see your logo, they’re less likely to think of you when they need the services you provide. For more on how to use your logo, check out our post about branding.
2. Sponsor community events
Sponsoring community events is a great way to get your business’s name out there and to show support for the community around you. Some types of events to look out for are: school sports or musicals, local non-profits or charities, local concerts, and town fairs. Know the area around you and get involved. People want to do business with people, so if they’re familiar with your business’s name and they see your face at some of these events, they’ll be more likely to reach out and use your services when they need them.
3. Meet local media
Having a good relationship with local press can help you get your name out there. Writers and reporters often need to consult experts on a wide range of topics as they cover the news cycle. If they already know you and the services you provide, they can reach out to you for quotes or video clips that they may include in their stories. If people see you in the news, it will help to establish your credibility in your field and will put your name and face in front of potential customers.
4. Utilize social media well
We have a whole post about picking the right social channels based on average user demographics that you should definitely check out. Once you’ve picked the social media you will use, use it well. Post quality content to show your followers that you are a trustworthy source in your field. Post regularly to show that your business is actively operating. Respond to comments and messages in a timely manner. Social media has a lot of opportunities to reach people if you stick with it.
5. Do social media giveaways
People love free things. Running giveaways or contests is a great way to draw people in to both your social media channel and your business as a whole. You can give away some cool merch, offer an unbeatable deal, or team up with another business to make a prize package. Pay attention to the platform’s rules—different sites have different requirements for how they handle contests and giveaways.
6. Pick promotional items well
Part of conducting a successful giveaway is giving away something that people will want. There are almost endless possibilities to the promotional items you can get for your business, but that doesn’t mean you should buy everything under the sun and slap your logo on it. Pick promotional items that will appeal to the type of customers you want to attract. Depending on your business goals this may look like more practical items, like calendars or note pads, or it may look like wacky, attention-grabbing items, like silly stress relievers or feather-topped pens. For more on this, check out our blog.
7. Utilize a Google Maps/Google Business listing
Google has features for businesses that can allow them to create a landing page right from Google. You can include your website, photos, phone number, hours of operation, and other important details people want to know when they search Google for businesses like yours. You can list your company’s address so that customers can find directions on how to drive to you, or you can list other points of contact if your business does not have one specific location. Google also has paid advertising available, so you can create ads that will show up in people’s search results. Like social media, Google is a powerful tool with a lot of opportunities to take advantage of.
8. Conduct customer follow-ups
Everyone appreciates a nice thank you and your customers are no exception. Customer follow-ups are a great way to say thank you to your customers for utilizing your services. Follow-ups can be a way to keep customers informed of any upcoming sales or offers you have that they may benefit from. You can also ask customers for a review, which will help future customers know that you are someone they can trust with their business.
9. Partner with other local businesses
Chances are your services or products will pair well with another local business’s services or products. Business isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you know. Build good relationships with the businesses around you. You can help those businesses by recommending their services when one of your customers needs them, and the other business can do the same for you with their customers. Trust can be hard to earn, so having another business that’s willing to use the trust they’ve already built up can go a long way for you.
10. Feed your website
Your website should be like a living, breathing entity. Keep it up-to-date with your current contact information, an accurate list of services you provide, and information that will show off your expertise. It’s a good idea to give your site a touch up every now and then design-wise, too. Some elements of web design will be in style for a long time, but some elements may make your site run slower or look more dated. Keeping your site clean, user-friendly, and full of quality content will help customers find what they’re looking for and take your business seriously.
Bonus tip: Call us for help!
We’ve discussed 10 tips to help you market your business, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. At Bold River Marketing, we succeed when you do. Let us take the stress of managing social media, keeping your website updated, or coming up with content ideas off of your shoulders so you can be free to do what you do best. We’d love to help you grow your business, so contact us today!