Many small business owners overlook the importance of a high quality marketing plan. Just because you are not a major corporation does not mean that you shouldn’t have an aggressive marketing plan in place. With the Internet on your side, your ability to market your business has become easier than ever. With the Internet on your side, your ability to market your business has become easier than ever. Marketing software tools help to make this even easier.
You no longer have to delegate a huge portion of your budget to marketing like so many of the major corporations of the world do. In fact, with the combination of proper planning and taking advantage of the many free resources available to you, you too can take your business up a notch.
Establishing a Quality Online Presence
The Professional Website
If you don’t have a website, you need one. If you have one that is not of professional quality, you need to upgrade it. A professional website is critical to any business, no matter what the size. It is often the first impression of your company so it is critical that it is as professional as possible. You also need to provide high quality content that is updated regularly. You want to give your readers a reason to visit your site on a regular basis. They are not going to do that if the content continually stays the same. Your website is also where you can inform your customers of sales information, discounts, and promotional offers.
When creating the content for your website, it is critical to implement the SEO (search engine optimization) techniques in order to drive traffic to your site. There are several tools provided free of charge that can help you with the optimization process.
Finally, when designing your website, it is important to remember an “opt in” feature. This will allow those who visit your site to register their email address. You can then use this information to send out additional information, promotions, and updates to your customers. This will ensure that your site does not become forgotten by your readers and will encourage frequent visits in order for them to view the latest content from you.
Social Media Must Haves
The Blog – Establish Yourself as the Expert
By establishing and maintaining a blog on your website, you are utilizing a key communication tool that will draw in customers and keep them coming back for more. The very nature of blogging is done in a more conversational style. By providing this element to your website, you are far more relatable to your audience than just a basic article.
This is also where you can show your expertise in the area your business specializes in. By providing expert advice on the areas your company represents, your customers will come back to your blog time and time again to receive your guidance on that particular subject. You can then capitalize on these visits by promoting the products or services you offer. By becoming an expert, you are also adding to the reputation and legitimacy of your business.
Facebook- Everyone Has One
Everyone seems to have a Facebook account, so it is only natural for your business to have a presence there as well. This is very easy to do as all you have to do is create a Facebook page for your business. You then can target your particular audience by providing information on the latest news from your company, the products and services you provide, as well as any promotional offers. Using Facebook for business is a great free marketing strategy you need to take advantage of.
After you create your Facebook page, it is essential to maintain it on a regular basis. You can do this by adding photos related to your business, posting updates regularly, and even adding video clips. It is also critical that you personalize your page with a logo of your company, add the link to your company website, and other information that your “friends” might find useful.
From there, you can utilize other benefits that Facebook provides to promote your business. You can purchase a Facebook ad that will promote your business directly on Facebook itself. You can also utilize a Social Plugins Widget to link your website directly to your Facebook page. This is beneficial because it will generate traffic to your website as well as your Facebook page. As both of these grow in popularity, they will continue to generate traffic for one another.
There are some important factors to your Facebook page that you must keep in mind. Your content needs to provide a call to action for your customers. You also need to make it fun by adding pictures of trips and other dialogue that will generate conversation on your page as well. By providing the types of updates that your customers can relate with, you will increase the popularity of your page. Alternatively, you can purchase facebook fans to increase your facebook page credibility and popularity virtually overnight. This is one of the best strategies you need to take advantage of.
Twitter is another effective social networking tool that is completely free. It also has its place in the social networking arena if used correctly. When you utilize your Twitter page, you are basically creating an extension to your blog or website. When there is an update on your blog or website, you can automatically create a “Tweet” about it. This will help you generate additional traffic to your website.
It is important to create a Twitter page that accurately reflects your business and the professional look you are trying to establish. It is also helpful to consistently create links that will be helpful to your audience. Maintain a consistent time when you post these so that your customers will be encouraged to investigate further on a consistent basis.
This is another social networking tool that your company can utilize. Unlike what some people think, LinkedIn is not just a site for building your online resume. It is actually the world’s largest network for businesses. It also boosts your SEO dramatically and will help establish your website presence on the internet. Again, you need to create a profile that enhances your company’s image. You also need to add links to both your website and blog to your profile.
Think Mobile
Everyone has a mobile device these days and that is why a mobile marketing strategy is a critical component for your business. Mobile devices are used for everything, from surfing the web to shopping. You need to ensure that when these mobile devices are being used that your business benefits from it as well. This is where you would also take advantage of such things as Yahoo Local, Google Places, Yelp, and Citysearch.
Informational Marketing
The Video and Audio Presence
One of the most powerful marking strategies for small business happens to be video testimonials. This helps you establish credibility because your customers are basically doing the talking for you. However, avoid the videos that sound like a sales pitch and ensure that your customers can relate with your testimonials
Your customers will enjoy the fact that they are hearing from the experiences of a real person. It provides a human touch that has been highly effective in the marketing strategies of today. YouTube has also made it extremely easy for the business owner to promote their business through video. You can also complete webinars to draw in traffic as well.
The E-book
Another very effective way to promote your site is through offering an E-book. The Kindle market and other digital reading devices are growing daily. So by providing an E-book that can be downloaded quickly and easily you will only continue to enhance your business. By providing this on your website, you will be generating traffic as well.
Things to Remember:
When you are marketing your small business, it will take a great deal of trial and error before you find the perfect combination. Sometimes this will change and you will need to adapt your marketing style. But if you stick with it, it will pay off. Don’t be afraid to be creative. The more innovative you become the more success you will have.
Ultimately you need to remember to do the following:
- Establish and maintain a high quality, professional website.
- Ensure that your website content is SEO friendly in order to drive traffic to your site.
- Utilize free social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
- Establish and maintain a quality blog where you provide useful content to your customers.
- Don’t forget about the mobile connection.
- Utilize all areas of media including video and audio in order to engage potential customers.
Edmond Hong has a degree in both Civil Engineering as well as Business Marketing, which he obtained from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. His area of expertise is on small business marketing. His article “facebook business page tips” has been featured on The Age Australia Business Section as well as the New York Times. He currently resides on the beautiful seaside suburb of St. Kilda in Melbourne. His leisure time is spent coaching entrepreneurs and writing marketing books.