For a small business to thrive, it needs to have a solid marketing strategy to connect with customers and encourage them to purchase products. However, most small businesses feel that they lack the resources to invest in marketing.
The trick to small business marketing is to invest wisely; it’s better to have a successful small campaign than a larger more expensive one that’s ill-suited for your business. Here are ten marketing tactics for your small business that will work.
Build a Strong Company Culture
The care and well-being of your employees isn’t a traditional marketing tactic, but it has a resounding impact throughout your brand. By creating a culture in which people want to work, you not only attract top talent, but you also attract customers. People like spending their money with businesses who care about their people.
Look at different ways that you can create a positive work environment that prioritizes human resources. Consider things perks, such as flexible scheduling using Mobile Employee Scheduling Apps by Humanity and employee discounts. Cultivate an environment of communication and collaboration.
Work with Other Businesses
Take a community approach to your small business marketing strategy and pair up with other small businesses in the area. For example, if you own a restaurant, see how you can pair up with the local ax throwing range to create a dinner date package. Make deals to cross-promote one another’s businesses via social media and grow together.
Try to think outside the box when investigating potential partnerships, and be sure to get all of your agreements in writing to protect everyone involved.
Create a Referral Program
Word of mouth promotion is still one of the most effective ways to get more business; social media is built around that concept. Reward your customers for spreading the word by creating a referral program, in which they can invite new customers to your business and receive a gift card, coupon or even a kickback. Investigate the local regulations before offering the latter.
Be a Philanthropist
Sponsoring local charities and getting involved in local events is a fantastic way to get your name out there while supporting the place that supports you. People will be enthusiastic about spending their money with someone who has a vested interest in the community. Being an active participant in local events also improves your chances of gaining free publicity.
Network
Set a goal to attend networking events each year. This will give you an opportunity to market your business in person, attracting new clients and new vendor and cross-promotion partnerships.
Try to attend at least a local and regional networking event each year, as well as making time for a national event if it makes sense for your business. You never know who you might meet at these events and what exciting opportunities they’ll bring your business.
Public Speaking
When you’re a small business owner, your business is usually closely tied to your personal identity. It doesn’t matter if you own a pizzeria or a contracting business; you have knowledge to offer.
Look into public speaking events where you can share your knowledge with others. Talk to your local Chamber of Commerce about hosting a free workshop to share your expertise on running a business, managing a supply chain, working with finance options, etc. Take your experience and share it with others to promote your business.
Optimize Social Media
Social media reigns supreme in modern marketing and advertising. It’s a fantastic way to build a relationship with customers and build content that will drive them to your website and through your doors. Create interesting, relevant content that people will want to share and strategically invest in social media advertising and boosts when you run a promotion.
Outsourcing to a virtual assistant or contract social media manager is one way that you can optimize your social media without spending too much time or money on the task. Look for someone who has a proven track record with the various platforms.
Invest in Your Brand
Your brand is your identity. It consists not only of your logo and the colors you use, but also how you interact with customers, the tone you take, and your core values. Conduct a brand audit to determine what’s out of alignment. Then, refine your strategy and use your brand to connect with customers.
Create an Automated Sales Funnel
Use one of the many email marketing systems available to create an automated lead generator and sales funnel. Start with an opt-in that will encourage potential customers to give you their email address, then add them to a flow of emails that will ultimately result in them purchasing a product. Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to convert your leads into sales.
Analyze Your Data
Don’t let your collected information go to waste. Take the time to read and interpret your Google Analytics to better understand who is visiting your site. Look at your customer base and see how you can refine your offerings and promotion strategy to encourage that demographic to buy more from you.
These ten marketing tactics are effective ways to help you improve your small business marketing strategy without breaking the bank. Try implementing one at a time or get started on all of them to reshape your business.