Owning a small business is hard - trust us, we know.
But marketing is important to your business’s survival and shouldn’t be ignored. A great marketing strategy will not only create fresh interest in your current client base but also attract new customers to your business.
Here are a few tips on how to easily (and effectively) market your small business.
Be Authentic
There’s only one you, so be true to that. We know - it’s tempting to copy a competitor when you see them killing it, but it’s just not smart marketing. Be true to your brand’s voice and mission. You can use the latest trends in your marketing while still being authentic.
Pro Tip: Create a branding guide that states your business’s mission, vision, different logos, brand colors, and fonts to keep your branding on point.
Know Your Customer
Your target customer is not “everyone.” That’s why it’s important to know your ideal customer before forming a marketing strategy. How old are they? Are they single or do they have a family? Find the people who will love your product or service, and they’ll not only become a customer but spread the word as well.
Pro Tip: Sit down and think about your ideal customer or pay attention to the people who walk through your door. Who are they? What do they do? Then write it all down. You’ll have an easier time identifying advertising opportunities and the best marketing mediums if you have a clear picture of who you’re trying to reach.
Collaborate
The small business community is thriving. You have an entire network of businesses trying to do the same thing you are. So why not work together? For example, a chocolatier has hot cocoa that isn’t selling as they’d like. That chocolatier reaches out to a local coffee shop and pitches the idea that they collaborate together on an “artisanal mocha,” and boom - it’s a smash hit. Both businesses benefit via cross-promotion and collaboration.
Pro Tip: Do you have a relationship with another small business owner in your community? Try reaching out to discuss different ways your businesses can work together.
Find What Works for Your Business
A mistake that many businesses make is wanting to reach every audience on every platform - but that’s a huge (and costly) mistake. Find the type of marketing that works best for your business, whether it be digital or print. But by no means - let’s say it again for the people in the back - by NO means depend solely on social media! Social media is important, yes, but it shouldn’t be the end-all and be-all for your business. Try identifying different means of advertising and marketing that resonate with your ideal customer.
Pro Tip: There’s plenty of research out there about which demographics choose which platform, and most advertising opportunities will provide a media kit that describes their audience. No matter what form of marketing or advertising you choose, make sure it’s your potential customers that you’re reaching.
Divide and Conquer
You’re awesome. You’re talented. You’re motivated and the reason this whole business thing gets done each day.
But You Can’t Do everything
You’re a small business owner, a brand of hero in its own class, but when you do everything for so long, you’re bound to break. Consider outsourcing your marketing to a third party. Not only will you have one responsibility removed from your shoulders, but you’ll rest easy knowing your business is in capable hands.
Pro Tip: If you made it to the end of this blog, you’re probably in need of marketing. At Iron City Social, we know that all businesses are unique and are in need of customized advertising and digital marketing plans. That's why our services are based on your organization’s specific brand, needs, and budget. Give us a call (256-648-3210), send us an email, or shoot us a message here for a free consultation.