Another Holiday season is upon us. Saturday, November 24 is Small Business Saturday. Promoting your business is essential to your success. In today’s technological world there are many marketing channels available. It takes an enormous amount of effort to promote effectively.
Just because you own a business and do sales does not mean you understand and know how to market successfully. Sales and marketing are two very different things. If you do not have the knowledge or skills to market, then do not be shy to outsource your marketing. I am a huge fan of interns. We have the College of Southern Idaho and there are even business & Marketing classes at the Local High schools where you can hire students to tackle some of the daunting work specifically with design and social media posts. Utilized your resources, reach out to your local Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Center they often have resources and tips they can share with you.
When it comes to marketing, especially digital and social media marketing you do not want customers to stop following you, unsubscribe or just ignore your ads. Here are some things you can do to ensure that you can be successful. Be sure to include these regularly with employee training.
1. Be genuine
Be honest and objective when you look at your ads. If your ad is something that you would toss in the recycle bin or delete, then your customers will too.
Believe in what your promoting. Share your passion! Be excited about what you have to offer.
2. Clarity
Know exactly what you are trying to promote. Be clear! If it is not immediately obvious as to what your selling and why you won’t get customers. If your consumers need to take additional steps other than visiting your website, you will lose them.
3. Incite Action
Have a call to action! Informational content is great and has its purpose and place but if there is no call to action you won’t keep the consumer long. Call to Action includes, Limited time! Register today! Act Now etc.
Do not forget to add a deadline.
4. Find a Niche Audience
Your ads will get a better response rate if you target them towards your niche market. Making things to generic and broad will not attract the right people.
5. Fill the Hole
Be sure to add value. Do not be pushy, show that what you have to offer will fill a need or hole. The intent is to alleviate stress with an existing problem.
6. Time and Place
Learn the best time and place to advertise for your niche market. For example, with social media, there are certain times in the day depending on the channel like Facebook, Pinterest etc. where your ads will be viewed the most.
7. Be your Helpful Self
Be sincere and helpful, do not try to “sell” to the consumer and do not blast your competitors. The most effective way to share your knowledge and promote others if you know of a competitor who has a product or service that will fill their need better than yours.
Creating successful and engaging campaigns can be easy and simple.
