The 8 Rules of Small Business Marketing 101

The 8 Rules of Small Business Marketing 101

Branding, services, blogs, printing, promotions, merchandise, research, pricing, advertising and social media — all of which are the components of marketing. Considering all of the marketing options available, it may be hard for small groups to sift through the clutter and know what to do. Marketing is a continual series focused efforts to do promote your brand across a varied landscape of platforms, in the hopes that a large percentage gets through to your prospective customer. Customers need to hear your message repeatedly, so brand until you can’t brand anymore! Here are some tips we’ve put together to help you market your small business:

1. Get organized. “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail”. Getting an organized plan in place should be the first step in your marketing efforts. Begin with brainstorming, create themes and add action plans to a to-do list. Begin small, and try to get a very good ROI for everything you do. Create an elevator pitch: what are you able to inform people about your business, products, and services in 30 seconds or less that is compelling and feeds their curiosity? Get consumer input early — in the case that you’re opening a storefront or restaurant, consider hosting a soft opening or invitation-only event to iron out the kinks and mistakes out of the way. Always try to make a good first impression.

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2. Get a website. In today’s technological world, the first step a prospective customer takes or employee does is Google your company. You want a website to prove that you’re a real company and to provide about information about your products/services to your customers. Make certain that your website is mobile-friendly and optimized for SEO. Use Google Analytics to track the visitors to your website, but be mindful of those who promise you top positions on search engines like Google. At the same time as there are plenty of things that may be done to boost your website rankings on a number of engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing, unless the developer works for one o the search engines, I would be skeptical of a promise to get you to the highest ranking. Don’t forget that you get what you pay for. There are a ton of do-it-yourself internet site businesses, however, depending on your needs, somethings may be better left to the specialists.

3. Leverage social media. Alright, let's acknowledge the ten-ton gorilla in the room called Facebook, where the vast majority of internet traffic takes place. In the rare instance that you’re not familiar with Facebook or have a page, create a business page asap. You’re leaving an enormous opportunity on the table if you don’t. There has been a demographic shift within the few years with an increasing number of retirees joining the social media environment. Let’s assume that they’ve come to the realization that if they want to stay in touch with their grandkids, kids, friends, and the community, they need to embrace this new system.

4. Set up and claim your business online. Whether you embrace the system or not, information about your business is and will be found on the internet. It would be wise and prudent to proactively control what people read or see about your business after they Google it? Do a search on the major browsers to see what information you see about your company and then claim or create a listing on your business.

5. Use Google Adwords. Make good use of Google Adwords to specially target the kinds of services or products you provide. Consider focusing on a few keywords, instead of too many. Adwords can be a tremendous tool for focusing on specific geographic areas and gives you the options of flexible pricing.

6. Create awareness in your local community by networking. Join your local Chamber of Commerce, Business organizations, networking groups, etc. Find ways to get involved in the community. Networking is a terrific way to capture business leads as long as you’re not too aggressive. It allows you to meet new contacts and create more brand awareness as well as new referrals. Sponsor sporting activities, nonprofit activities or promoting a good cause. Get your name out there, while being seen as a good steward of the community. Put together swag (promotional gadgets with your business name, brand and your contact info). T-shirts are a high-quality example of free walking advertisements for your business.

7. Offer coupons or loose merchandise/offerings. Create loyalty early on. A satisfied and happy customer will come again and will tell their friends about you. Create a buzz with brand ambassadors. Family and friends can a great help in promoting your products or services.

8. Advertise. Sorry, If you build it, they still may not come. You should get out there and tell people who you are, why your products or services are different from the competition and how to locate you. Advertising is not a cookie-cutter, one-size fits all solution. Research what works for you, but no matter what, you have to advertise.

Above all else, always maintain a consistent, repetitive brand message. Many advertising and marketing experts agree with wit the “rule of seven,” this means that people need to hear or see your message at least seven times before taking any action. In today's world of constant inter-connectivity, you need to make certain you’re seen and heard. The most common reason that people don’t purchase your product or service is because they don’t know you exist.