Calling all fellow small business owners and entrepreneurs! Feeling a little lost when it comes to marketing? You’re not alone!
Starting your journey as a small business owner can be daunting, but marketing can seem impossible. Unfortunately, “if you build it, they will come” doesn’t quite translate to small businesses in 2024.
If you're just starting out and feeling a bit lost on where to start with marketing your business, don't worry; I've got you covered! Here are some friendly tips to help you get started:
1. Get to Know Your Target Audience
Who are you trying to reach with your marketing messages? Defining your target audience early on will help you create messaging that resonates with them. Think about their age, gender, location, and interests when defining your target audience.
Pro Tip: Check out this blog for five questions when identifying your target audience.
2. Develop a Brand Identity
Your brand is more than just a logo; it's your small business's personality! Create a brand identity that reflects your values, mission, and vision. After that, make sure your brand is consistent across all marketing channels, from your website to your social media profiles.
Pro Tip: If you haven’t begun branding, now’s a great time to start. Check out my blog, Branding 101, to learn how branding is more than just a logo.
3. Build a Small Business Website
Your website is the foundation of your digital marketing efforts. And now that you have your branding down, it’s time to craft that website! Your website is where potential customers will go to learn more about your business and potentially make a purchase. Make sure your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and optimized for search engines.
Pro Tip: What’s one thing people miss when it comes to their website? Loading times! Now, I love a website full of great content. But make sure it’s not overloaded and slow to load.
4. Utilize Social Media
Social media is a fantastic tool for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It's a way to connect with potential customers, build brand awareness, and research new products. Make sure you choose the platforms that make the most sense for your business and start sharing valuable content that resonates with your target audience.
Pro Tip: Remember when I mentioned knowing your target audience? That knowledge comes into play here, too. Make sure you choose social media platforms your customers actively engage with.
5. Leverage Email Marketing
Email marketing is not dead. It’s a cost-effective way to reach your target audience directly. Build an email list of interested subscribers and send regular newsletters with valuable content and promotions.
Pro Tip: Experimentation is vital when it comes to email marketing. Test out different days, times, and ways to present your content. But remember - you have to track your results! Remember DashThis? It’s a great way to do just that!
6. Measure Your Results
Finally, measuring the results of your marketing efforts is essential. Use tools like Google Analytics and social media insights to track website traffic, engagement, and conversions. Use this data to refine your strategies and optimize your marketing efforts.
Pro Tip: You know what’s coming - another plug for DashThis. Although I love this tool, you can always use the back end of your marketing platforms to track analytics or another reporting software.
Marketing your business from scratch can be overwhelming, but with these tips, you'll be well on your way to building a solid brand and reaching your target audience. From one small business owner to another: Good luck, and remember to have fun along the way!
