In the past decade or so, there has been an explosion in the number of businesses being established. Thanks to the accessibility of the internet and advancements in technology, more of us than ever have been able to quit our day jobs and set up a company of our own which is great. However it does mean that there’s serious competition in any niche you set up in, and so staying ahead and getting your name out there to the right customers is crucial. Your marketing is something that has to be up to scratch, the right people need to be hearing about your business in order for them to make purchases from you- so you can make a profit. Here are a few different methods to consider.
Utilise Online Marketing
Having a strong online presence is essential for just about every business, in this digital age we live in. Even if you don’t sell online, you still need to be visible as people will be searching for local businesses like yours. Social media marketing is arguably one of the most widely used and an effective method that modern businesses have at their disposal. Social media sites are free to set up and you can reach a huge number of potential customers. Affiliate marketing is another option, while this is one of the oldest methods of online marketing it’s not something to overlook. Google Adwords is one example, if you sign up to this program your ad will be shown on lots of relevant sites, to the people who are most likely to be interested in your products. Writing a business blog is another way to market yourself online, it’s a free form of promotion and helps to build up your brand. In time, chances are you will amass a loyal following, which is great news for your business. A blog also shows you’re legitimate, reliable and proves to your customers and clients that you know your stuff in the field that your business is in. With online marketing being such a broad category, taking the task to do the work yourself can be challenging when you’re a new business. So for amazing results, it would be worth reaching out to companies such as Polkadot communications to do the work for you.
Invest in an App
This might not be seen as a conventional marketing method, but actually having an app created for your business is one of the best ways to get yourself out there. Since more sales are now made on mobiles and tablets than they are on laptops and computers, people are utilizing apps and making purchases on them. When a customer has your app on their phone, they’re subconsciously seeing your brand whenever they see it- even when they’re not using it. It makes it convenient for them, and an app also shows you’re a genuine company. This is something that many smaller and medium-sized business are yet to get on board with so it’s a chance for you to get ahead. In the near future, an app will be as essential to a business as a website is today.
Don’t Overlook Older Methods
Online marketing is extremely valuable to the average business. However for some kinds of companies, ‘older’ methods such as billboards, flyers and posters are not only as good but preferable in some cases. Imagine you are a local bakery for example, you don’t need to get your name out there worldwide since your customers will predominantly be from your immediate local area. You do still need to be visible online, so a website, social media pages and perhaps even a business blog are still worthwhile. But spending lots of money promoting your business all across the internet isn’t needed, and so you can save money here. Flyering can be a useful method for local businesses, but don’t just print and send thousands of flyers with no real aim. Going back to the bakery example, if a large part of your business is baking children’s birthday cakes then how about leaving them around local schools and soft play areas, anywhere that parents are likely to see them.
Consider Face to Face Marketing Methods
In- person marketing methods can sometimes be overlooked, but being able to communicate with your customers and clients face to face can be extremely valuable. Not only can you explain everything and answer questions there and then, but you could demonstrate your products or services too. Setting up a stall at a business expo is one of the best ways to go about this, a marquee printed with your logo is an eye-catching way to draw in foot traffic. Instead of boring presentations, make it fun and interesting. Play games and run competitions relating to your business, get people involved. Business expos tend to be large and people will choose the stalls they look at on face value. So you will want to make it interesting and fun for them. Other kinds of face to face marketing techniques could involve having your salespeople to deliver a pitch or presentation to customers or other businesses. This is much more interactive than other methods, and people have the ability to ask questions and see your business in action for themselves. Your salespeople have the opportunity to persuade those who would otherwise be left on the fence. For many kinds of businesses, it can be a highly effective way to both promote and sell products.
Marketing can be incredibly tricky, as it’s so fast-moving. Once, only paper methods would have been available, but for businesses that sell globally, this is now obsolete. With the advancement of social media, businesses have needed to update their marketing strategy to keep up. With search engines coming out with new rules all the time about how you can and can’t pay for and advertise online, you need to be in the loop. Hire a marketing professional, or outsource to a third party company. Even if you’re only a small business, it’s a worthy investment. If you don’t know what you’re doing then don’t attempt it, it could be the difference between success and failure in your business.
What methods have you tried when it comes to getting your company’s name out there?