So, you’ve taken the first step and started your small business, but aren’t achieving your desired sales goal?
Effective marketing can make or break a company, especially a new small business, so be sure to pay careful attention to the following marketing methods.
Create a Website
The first step to effectively market your small business is to create an online presence. This is usually done through building a website. An online presence is required for effective marketing since almost everyone has some sort of smart device. Without a website, you will lose multiple customers to your competitors. Your website does not need to be all decked out, it should simply include the basics when first starting out. Have an “About You” page, contact information, products and services offered, and prices if you are comfortable with that. Always make sure your contact information is easily accessible, at the bottom of each page, for instance. You want to make your website user-friendly to attract the most customers.
Develop Social Media Accounts
Just like creating a website can give you an online presence, developing social media accounts can also catapult your business to success. Social media platforms, like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Tik Tok, can help you reach audiences that a traditional website may not. If your product or service is aimed at a younger generation, say 20-40, it will be critical to have a presence on these social media platforms as that is what that age group normally uses. Be sure your social media highlights your products and services and includes relevant links to your website so interested customers can easily purchase items.
Stay Active
After your social media page is developed, be sure to stay active with new posts and updates. Consistently posting pictures and content can create traction for your business. Drawing in viewers and customers is essential to building a profitable business. If a potential customer sees multiple posts that intrigue them, they will be more likely to purchase a product from that vendor. There is power in repetition, so be sure to create a business catchphrase or hashtag to include on each post. This will help your business become memorable.
Offer Promotions
A major part of staying active on social media is offering discounts and promotions to drive up sales. Promotions like buy-one-get-one-free or free shipping should be frequently offered to attract new customers. If you are not achieving your desired sales level, offering a promotion is a great way to create a buzz surrounding your business and convert potential customers into actual customers. This is one of the most effective marketing strategies, especially for a small business with few reviews.
Build Up Reviews
Once you have made a few sales, be sure to have an option for customers to leave reviews. Potential customers often look at reviews to determine if you are someone they should purchase from. Having positive reviews visible to potential customers is just as effective as any other marketing strategy. Word-of-mouth marketing is a powerful tool and can exponentially grow your business if the reviews are positive. Be sure to have top-notch customer service to achieve positive reviews and market your business effectively.
Implement Search Engine Marketing
Another way you can market your small business is to pay for search engine marketing. Search engine marketing is when you pay a search engine site, like Google, to put your company’s website at the top of the search bar list. If someone uses the same search words you selected, your company will be at the top. Usually, these search engine sites only charge you if a potential customer clicks on your website, making it an effective form of marketing.
Summary
There are many different ways you can go about marketing your small business. Too much marketing is never a bad thing, but too little can have detrimental effects. Keep these marketing tips in mind when developing a plan for your small business.
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