When it comes to marketing their small businesses, entrepreneurs have more options than ever before thanks to the popularity of online tools and their easy accessibility. In a recent column for American Express Open Forum Ivana Taylor, CEO of Third Force, gave out a number of small business marketing tips.
The first thing that Taylor suggests is to "speak your mind." By spreading the message that is most important to their businesses, entrepreneurs can bring their biggest issues to the forefront. She also suggests making sure that the company's website is updated to reflect the most current deals and events going on and even starting a blog to spread more information.
Then there is social media. While some have called this a passing trend, Taylor says that it's time to start taking it seriously. "Social media is not a fad any more. It's time to stop experimenting and start managing your social media strategy," she writes. "Create a policy around social media, even if you're only a one-person operation. Your social media policy should include your objectives for each site and any rules you have around posts, articles, pictures, etc. "
Next, it is important to get all customer lists in a single place in order to be better organized. By creating a master list, a small business owner can divide customers into categories and figure out what the best way to market to them might be. Along the same lines is direct marketing. Assuming a business knows where its customers live, sending them mail directly can be a great way to drive business and increase profits. Online Marketing Services Provider.
It is also important to create a brand for the services the company offers. Even if it is a simple repair shop, by giving the service a name, customers are more likely to remember it in times of need. After establishing a brand, it may be useful to produce a video to help promote it. Businesses can set up corporate YouTube accounts and begin posting videos that can give potential clients a free demonstration of a company's services.
When the videos are done, it is time to start a mobile marketing program. By giving customers constant updates via text messaging, businesses are able to benefit by reminding them about any current deals. Taylor writes that mobile marketing is one of the fastest growing channels in the entire world. "Globally, twice as many people use text messaging than e-mail. Chances are your customers interact more with their PDA than they do with their computer."
Taylor also suggests creating a referral system. "Run a referral program that includes regular meetings with people who agree to enthusiastically refer you. Start by creating a referral guideline that outlines what sets your business apart, profiles your ideal customer and describes what they might say that should trigger a referral to you." Direct Marketing Services Provider.
Finally it is important to focus on what the customer wants and try to market the product or service to them. Small businesses should have an idea of what their perfect clients would be, and do everything in their power to attract them. By profiling them in detail, it may become easier to find out what methods they will respond to most.
While none of these ideas are fool-proof, they can be important ways for small business owners to attract as many customers as possible. When a business is made up of only a few people, it can be hard to compete with companies that have a whole marketing department. Of course, there is no magic bullet when it comes to the perfect marketing strategy, but these steps will help entrepreneurs compete with larger competition and find success in the end. Media Marketing Agency.
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