“Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make, but about the stories you tell.”—Seth Godin
LEARN
- Marketing is a necessary investment no matter the business size or profitability. Larger businesses with bigger pockets can find marketing a little easier. If your business is small, you will need to find more creative ways to effectively market your products, often these are less expensive and less time consuming.
- Know your market (who are they, what age, what location, behaviors)
- Listen to your market (wants/needs). Implement the suggestions when you can.
- Engage, build, and keep the trust of your buyers/potential buyers
- Repeat business is the key to long term success.
DO
- Promote your business with other companies who sell complimentary or similar products. This cross promoting is very effective for both parties. Perhaps the spa down the road doesn’t know about your organic skin products and vice versa. It builds trust with others outside your company as well as increases your exposure.
- Engage in online conversations. Ask questions. Converse. This builds trust with new customers as well as retains it with existing. The more you keep the loyal buyers interested and in tune with your products/company the better. Social media is great for this.
- Offer repeat business incentives. You want to give them a reason to keep coming back. Example: Take 10% off your next purchase. Free shipping on your next purchase.
- Don’t be afraid to use social media. Facebook ads are a great inexpensive way to reach potential markets. You can narrow down the ads to target potential people who might be interested in your products. You set the budget, so it’s all depends on what you want to spend.
Every business has a story to tell with a list of character of products that each adds to the plot. Use the tools (social media, cross promoting, coupons, website, design) to write each chapter.
In the end, let your business do the talking and telling. Make the customers a hero.