If you’re a beginner entrepreneur, you’ve probably figured out that there’s a lot of difficult work to do before you can get your business off the ground. Unfortunately, one of the most intimidating hurdles for a fledgling company is also one of the most essential: marketing.
Marketing doesn’t always come naturally to people, and it can often be the thing that determines success or failure for start-ups and small companies. Not all businesses have the budget to launch huge, multi-channel campaigns over wide areas. But even if you don’t have access to an expansive marketing budget, you can still market effectively. Here’s a brief, basic guide to essential marketing tips that every entrepreneur should know.
Build a Website
The first and most important thing to do is, of course, to bring your business online. It’s no secret that the Internet has become the fastest, most convenient information hub available in all of human history. Research by KPMG found that 55% of people will search online for reviews or recommendations before making a purchase. 47% will start by visiting a company website, which makes it the first and preferred touch point for new customers. If you’re worried about whether or not you need one, just remember that no business is too small to have a website. Price doesn’t have to be an obstacle, as there are also tons of free hosting services that can allow you to build an attractive, information-rich portal where you can touch base with your market.
Start a Blog
Another thing you’ll need to do is to start blogging. In the 21st century, content is king. More customers are more likely to purchase from your brand if you establish yourself as an authority, and one of the ways to do that is through blogging. Like we mention in our post ‘5 Profitable Businesses You Can Launch for Cheap or Free’, blogging can also be a source of extra income through advertising revenue. It’s fairly easy to set up, and isn’t too difficult to maintain once you set a consistent posting schedule.
Engage Your Community
You should also take advantage of your local community, especially if you have a physical store. Sometimes the best way to do this is by employing traditional marketing methods. While printing materials may not always be free, you can actually pull in great results at a lower cost with certain methods. According to direct mail marketing company Triadex Services, it has one of the lowest costs-per-lead and highest ROIs around. Starting a direct mail campaign in your area is an affordable and highly effective method to drum up interest in your business.
Maximize Social Media
Social media is an easy, accessible, and mostly free marketing tool that can help you not only grow your market, but also distinguish your company from your competitors. With more and more people spending more of their time online, a company’s social media presence has become essential for companies big and small. Additionally, PR Newswire reports that 67% of consumers have made a purchase after seeing an ad on social media — a staggering statistic, and one fledgling businesses should take advantage of. Plus, social media ads and promoted posts tend to be more affordable options for online advertising.