Reaching and retaining customers is one of the major challenges entrepreneurs have when they start their business. While there are many things you can do to market your business, only a handful may work for your industry, business, and target market. Before starting any marketing activity, think through the most effective plan of action.
Based on your target market, define where you are likely to find your client, what type of media they use and the best methods to reach them. Having done this, you can follow it up with some marketing methods below that may pique their interest:
- Create local awareness: Create awareness in local media; local radio, newspapers, and magazines. Write a press release when you launch or write on topics about your sector. If not confident about your writing skills, talk to a writer who does articles in the local papers. You could also win over an influential blogger to cover your story. And of course, radio continues to be the primary way to promote and create awareness locally.
- Social Media Marketing: Social media offers high potential for yielding new leads; however, building a following through your posts alone can be time-consuming. Leverage the use of social media to promote your business by having a page for your business and posting adverts that will generate new follows and leads. Initially, advertising expenses may pile up, but after reaching a certain level of followers – normally 10,000 – you will not need to invest as much in advertising as your posts will be shared and reposted and can create the awareness you want.
- Email Marketing: Email marketing is one of the most effective ways of marketing online. You can do this by having a newsletter that goes out weekly or monthly and keeps customers informed about your latest offers.
- References: A satisfied customer is one of your best marketing tools. Motivate your clients to give you referrals and write references for your website and other online platforms e.g. rating sites.
- Get listed In Directories: Get listed in local directories, and use both online and offline resources. While locals may not use directories much, most people moving to a new town or seeking a product or service for the first time will search for it in directories.
- Business cards: Though a very small tool in size, a business card is a very important marketing tool that you can give out to potential clients. It stays with them for years and allows them to reach out to you when the right window of opportunity presents itself.
- Chambers Of Commerce & Business Associations: Join your industry chamber of commerce and those of your target clients. Improving your networking skills will ensure you make the most out of association events.
- Speaking At Events: Build your reputation as an expert in your industry by speaking at events. This makes it easy for people to approach your business for your expert services.
- Samples: You could also make samples and give them out during tradeshows or hire a promotion table at a mall and do a sampling of your products. If you have already got into supermarket shelves, your samples could go with other fast-moving products.
- Flyers: Flyers can spark a lot of interest when given in the right place. Give fliers during conferences, tradeshows, or events where your target market is present.
Other things you can do are brand company vehicles, make a video, sponsor events, brand on public transport or sponsor helmets & jackets for public transport bikes, and advertise on YouTube. Carrying out activations also helps create awareness. What goes into the promotion will be dependent on what you are promoting at the time. Be creative as it is not just about putting your logo but also doing something that will engage your potential clients so they remember you.
Like, Comment and Subscribe
