Based on a recent survey of small business owners we put together a list of the top 8 marketing tips for small businesses.
Marketing should be designed to increase brand awareness and fill a pipeline of qualified leads that turn into customers. However, with a small business, getting the word out can be challenging due to a lack of time and/or money – these tips will help.
1. Create a website (or update your current one)
A professional-looking website is the most important asset you will create for your small business. This is where you will showcase who you are, what you offer, where you’re located, and how potential customers can get in touch with you. See our most recent web designs
2. Add a blog on your website
Blogging is a great way to generate organic traffic. It is a platform to share your knowledge directly with potential customers, establish credibility in your niche, and position yourself as a thought leader. For example, if you are an account – share tax tips, a restaurant – share cooking tips, a fitness center – share workout tips, a marketing agency – share marketing tips for small businesses, etc.
3. Claim your FREE “Google My Business” page
If you don’t have a Google My Business page, you should, it’s FREE. When someone searches for a particular business “Near Me“, and the Google map pops up with a list of those businesses – that is Google My Business. All you have to do is claim your business, Google will then mail you a postcard containing a PIN number to verify the address is correct. Then you just log back in, enter the PIN and you are all set to optimize your own business page.
4. Get your business on social media
Today pretty much everyone is on some social media platform if not multiple, so putting your business in front of potential customers has never been easier. Knowing your customer is the key here, are they business professionals who spend their time on LinkedIn, one of the 2.9 billion who spend their time on Facebook, or maybe your business lends itself to reaching customers through video on YouTube.
5. Advertise on online
Organic traffic takes a while to build, and as a small business, you want to invest in things that have a relatively immediate impact on your business. This can be obtained through paid online advertising that targets your ideal customer, generating brand awareness and more high-quality leads very quickly.
6. Use email marketing
Email marketing is an easy, free, and scalable way to communicate with both new and existing customers. According to recent statistics, 73% of gen-Xers and millennials prefer communications from small businesses to come via email.
7. Use video
Video gives you a chance to promote your small business in a way that a simple photo just can’t do, it allows you to tell your story. Facebook and LinkedIn have both gone all-in on promoting video content because it’s more engaging and keeps users on their platform longer. 84% of consumers say they are more likely to make a purchase after having seen a video on a business or product. If you are on a tight budget and want to give video a try yourself read this > Best gear for social media video or if you prefer to hire us for your video marketing > Check-out our latest videos here
8. Double down on what’s working!
Best of the marketing tips for small businesses like yours – Once you find what works for your business, it is time to double down on it. If you find social media posts are driving more traffic then increase posting frequency, if online advertising is working then increase your ad spend to reach more people, etc.