Let’s get started promoting
We all know that there is more we should be doing to promote our business, but sometimes you don’t know where to start. Here are a few of the things that every business should be doing at some level:
- Have a Strategic Marketing Plan
Keep yourself up on current on trends, facts and figures that can help you analyze your business profits. Should you make any tweaks to how you market your business? Should you position your business differently? - Have a Google-Friendly website
Can local customers find your business on Google? Make sure they can with a well-optimized website that does what you want it to do. The key is to get them to your website when they need your services and solutions even when they have never heard of you! You can create a blog, list special promotions and/or event, and direct visitors to your social media profiles. - Engage in local SEO practices
There are millions of websites on the internet. Having a simple brochure-like website is a waste of time. Now, more than ever, small local businesses are realizing the importance of having a dynamic website and implementing a local internet marketing strategy. Since 72% of all searches are related to a search for local content, you should be 100% sure that your website will show up for those searches relevant to your business. Make sure you have a strong Local SEO Strategy. - Have value-added “remarkable” content
Ask local bloggers to review your services and solutions. The outside link and mention will help with SEO rankings, and the positive review will help your reputation. - Monitor review sites
What are people saying about you on Yelp, Google Reviews and Facebook? You live or die on your reputation, so pay close attention to what people are saying about your business online. This is where your offline visitors can tell the online world about their (hopefully positive) experience with your business. Thank visitors for positive reviews and try to resolve negative reviews. - Employ a strong offering and/or CTA (Call-to-Action)
Use an online contact form, reservation, and/or appointment tool to capture prospects’ information. You need online tools to make it easier for your customers and easier on yourself to get the information they want and/or need. - Grow your email database with contact management like Constant Contact
If you compare to direct marketing, email marketing is more efficient, environmentally friendly and a faster way to keep your customers in the know. Promote your e-newsletters through social media, on your website, and inside your business. - Earn a consistent social media presence
Strengthen your word-of-mouth marketing with an interesting, interactive social media presence. This gives you the ability to engage your customers 365 days as year, represent your brand and enlist customers to share their stories. That’s priceless! - Provide enough incentive for people to pay attention
Give your clients incentives to follow you on social media channels, and make it simple for them to do so. Remember to mix it up, do not be afraid to have fun, and be a part of the local community. - Run contests
This is a great way to reward social media fans, grow audience, bring in more customers, and promote brand loyalty. Give customers a chance to win a great prize or experience, and you will give them another reason to keep coming back. - Create and implement a customer loyalty program
Send out e-newsletters to those who sign up to be in the program, highlighting exclusive deals. Promote your loyalty program both online and offline. - Just ask!
Ask your regulars and loyal fans offline to ‘Like’ your business on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Pinterest, thus helping to spread the word. If you’re a restaurant owner then send an email, call those you have a good relationship with, and walk right up to their table while they’re enjoying what they love about your restaurant.