It’s not the wild west, so here’s some quick marketing tips to get started.
Without sounding simplistic let’s split companies into 2 marketer groups:
- Companies targeting a market sharing a similar need. They find a solution to that problem (Product) only they can do in this particular way (Unique Selling Point). The simpler route.
- Then, companies starting with a product, who go off to find customers (Market). Most businesses take this more difficult route.
Companies in group 2. will benefit most from this article.
How to get customers in the first place:
- Print advertising – It’s a mine field so get some independent advice from someone who deals with publications, daily. A ½ price offer because someone else pulled out might be cheaper, but are there better places to invest?
- Google and sponsored Social ads – You can do this yourself, but a professional will leverage your key words across all the platforms and target your message so you are not wasting money.
- Buy a data base – You’ll need a good Hook and someone to work it.
- Call centres – Someone to work your data base who specialises in B2B or B2C, the conversations differ greatly.
- Sales person – Works the data base. Consider a shared role.
- Networking events – Join a community such as a club, local business organisation, network group.
- Signage – Make sure you include what you do on a street sign, so many forget to include this in the sign too.
- Thought leadership – Social posts linking back to a web site for more. Run an event where you are the key speaker/MC.
- Free Events – Run an event, give a part of your service away, special offer.
- 2 for 1 deal – Package your products, 2 for 1. Discounting sets the real price.
- Trade show – Be really targeted here, bring your best sakes team.
- Sponsor a relevant award – Perception is you’re part of the judging panel.
- Referrals – Once you have a happy customer, ask: Who else do you know who might benefit from our services?
- Testimonials – Target others like it.
- Run a survey, or focus group – This is a clever way to tell people what you do by valuing their feedback.
Once you have a customer, keep them.
Consider playing the long game where you charge a little often, instead of making all of the money you need in a single transaction. Make them feel important, special and let them know you value them too, aim to make them a customer for life.