Getting customers for your small business can be difficult when you’re just starting out. It takes time to build an audience from scratch! You’re just getting your company off the ground and still need to establish your reputation. Plus, you don’t have the same resources or reach as the larger, more established competition.
This is why you should focus on coming up with a solid marketing strategy. There are many strategies you can implement on your own without having to hire a professional agency. To start growing your client base, check out these 4 marketing musts for small businesses looking to grow their audience fast.
1. Amp Up Your Social Media
No matter how new your business may be, having a social media presence is critical. Your potential customers likely use platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (News - Alert), Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat daily, meaning there is plenty of opportunity to draw new people in.
Your posts can be a good way to get new leads. People looking for a product or service might find you through a search or hashtags. They can even stumble across your post randomly or be referred by a friend.
Remember that your posts don’t all have to be promotional. Your audience will respond to a more personal approach. Give them content that let’s them learn more about you, interact with your staff, relate to your mission, and gain value to their lives. This will keep them interested, and soon they’ll become invested. Before you know it, you’ll have a loyal, active following.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to use all of these platforms right away. Stick to a couple of social media networking strategies and focus on posting consistent, quality content.
2. Modernize Your Website
Many people go to the Internet when looking for a new product or service. Make sure they have the best chance of finding you by optimizing your website. You can implement simple search engine optimization (SEO) that will allow search engines to rank your website higher.
You should also make sure that your website offers a user-friendly experience. This not only improves SEO but also builds a relationship with your audience. Create content such as blog posts that will offer readers value and entertainment.
Once you start growing, you can amp up your website even more. For instance, most people prefer engaging with visual content when they visit a website. Companies such as Tech TV produce professional videos for businesses that describe products in images, depict customer testimonials, etc. This type of visual content will bring in traffic faster than ever before and boost engagement.
3. Don’t Forget Print Materials
In 2019 print materials might seem obsolete. However, they are not something that should be ignored. Many companies in your niche likely neglect traditional marketing, so if you put up a local billboard in addition to online ads, you’re bound to stand out and double your exposure.
Print materials still work. You never want to be in a situation where you are talking to a potential client and don’t have a business card to hand out. Flyers, signs, and banners can be a great way to reach an audience that doesn’t use social media.
4. Study the Competition
This doesn’t mean copy everything your competition is doing. You want to build a brand that is unique and in line with your vision and values. However, your competitors can give you insight into what works and what doesn’t.
Ask yourself guiding questions: Who in your area is in the same industry as you? What are they doing that’s working?
By studying your competition, you can figure out how to tweak your marketing strategy.
