Here are six great small business marketing ideas that are easy to implement for any entrepreneur.
1. Position yourself as an expert
If a client sees an article that answers some of their key questions, written by an expert (YOU), they are more likely to trust your company. Here are a few suggestions on becoming an expert:
Expert Articles
Find an industry publication and contact the editor about writing an article.
Speaking Engagements
Industry associations, chambers of commerce, and civic organizations are always looking for speakers. Let them know you are available and what you offer.
Media Interviews and PR Gigs
HARO – Help a Reporter Out is a great resource for PR opportunities. Profnet from PR Newswire is also a good resource for reporter queries.
LinkedIn
Joining groups and contributing content and answers to posted questions is a great way to position yourself as an expert.
2. Create and showcase your professional image and brand
Partner a professional image and website together with a strong operational system, and marketing plan. Make sure to think about brand consistency! Many small and medium businesses don’t realize how effective mobile advertising and car wraps are. Companies use vehicle wraps and mobile billboards constantly. I recommend this form of advertising for many industries.
3. Collect and store critical customer and potential customer data
Make sure you don’t miss a chance at building a relationship or making a potential customer. Here are some simple ways to set up a system to collect and use this data, which is a useful small business marketing idea:
E-Marketing
Use an email marketing service, like iContact. Email your client base at least twice a month. Make the content exciting so that they want to forward it!
Newsletter Sign-up
Have a place on your website to sign up for your e-marketing newsletter. Also think about having a free offer on your site to get email addresses.
4. Generate content and have multiple channels of distribution
You MUST use social media, blogging, and PR outlets to compete. If you are not, know that your competitors are ad they are reaping the rewards from easy-to-implement small business marketing ideas.
Blogging
The main benefit of blogging is search engine optimization (SEO), which is key to driving search engine traffic to your blog or Web presence. Write blog posts that are engaging to your audience.
LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook
Whenever you generate any content post it on Facebook, write a blog post, tweet it, and send it to your e-marketing contacts.
5. Be Easily Found on the Internet
Use these simple strategies to be found…overnight.
Google Local Business
List your business with Google Local Business to be found during searches.
Blogging
As I said above, the main benefit of small business marketing ideas such as blogging is search engine optimization (SEO). Blogs are a great way for visitors to communicate with you and each other, and when developed with the right keywords you can achieve lots of visitors who find you during Google searches.
Keywords
Determine keywords– search terms that your clients will use to find you. Include them in your content too.
Directories
Know where your clients look for your kind of services. Also become listed in free directories.
6. Track what works
At the end of the month go over your sales and see where the majority of revenue is coming from and where it isn’t, and put more effort into what is working.
In conclusion, marketing and PR don’t have to be expensive or hard for effective small business marketing ideas. Work smart and implement a clear system of execution and reap the benefits. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at wraphappy@crankycreative.com.
Editor’s Note: Barbra Bannon is a nationally known alternative marketing and branding guru located in Durham, NC. She is the Chief Creative Enthusiast at Cranky Creative Group, an alternative brand promotions company.
Do you have any small business marketing ideas you’d add to this list? Please leave a comment here.
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