Whether you are just starting your business or have been in business for 20 years, marketing should be a part of your roadmap to success. It is often difficult to devote the time to building your brand and sharing that brand when you are busy with the actual operations of the business. However, if you can dedicate time each week to communicating your brand, you will reap the rewards. You may not see it right away, which is difficult for our fast-paced culture, but you are sowing seeds and you will see the harvest later on. How do you make the most of your precious marketing “sowing” time? Keep reading for three areas that have helped our agency!
Social media is your friend
Social media has become essential to any marketing strategy. If you want to be where your clients are, you NEED to be on social media. There are so many avenues so it can be hard to know which ones you should pursue. The most common outlets are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linked in. Google+ is also a great way to help your business with search engine optimization. If you aren’t on any of these and it seems overwhelming to be on all of them, just start with one. It is important to be available in the marketplace where your clients and prospects spend the majority of their time. Devoting just 30 minutes a day to posting, engaging, and sharing will improve your branding and help connect you to your clients. Still not convinced? The best part about social media is that it is FREE marketing! What is better than free?! Take advantage of what’s out there and jump into the conversation.
You are smarter than you think
Content marketing can be a lot of work up front, but once you get into a rhythm, you will place yourself as an expert in your client’s minds. Write articles for your blog on your website, share them to social media, or send them out in an email or newsletter. Whatever your expertise may be, you have valuable contributions to the society and you have knowledge that others may not have. By sharing this knowledge in articles, you provide added value to your services and position yourself as an expert. People will be more likely to go to you when they have questions or needs in your sector rather than someone who isn’t sharing and proactively offering information. Also, the more original content you post, the more you will move up in Google’s ranking for search optimization, which is always a good thing. If you devote some time each month to create valuable content, you instantly add credibility to your brand.
It’s all about who you know
Networking is so important to help your business become recognizable and familiar to people. If you are relatable and contribute to others, you will create relationships that will serve you for years to come. Getting your name out there requires you getting out the door. Get involved in local chambers, events, charities and non-profit organizations in your community. Be involved in people’s lives. We all know word-of-mouth is an extremely powerful tool, but it takes relationships to get there. Put yourself out there and get involved and you will be amazed how many wonderful people you meet who you can help and vice-versa. Make connections, be generous with giveaways, and people will talk about your brand for you.
These three key areas have been powerful tools in our marketing toolbox, but there are so many more tools I have not even touched on. Feel free to comment what you have found to be helpful for your business’ marketing strategy. I hope this has been helpful for you and wish you a harvest of success in your business!