If you’re someone who already owns a business or is about to start one, you are probably aware of the fact that there tends to be some pretty stiff competition out there. That’s a big part of the reason why over half of all companies close their doors within the first five years of opening them. Well, that and the fact that many try to cut corners on their marketing.
And here’s the thing: Even if you do have an awesome product or service, how much is it going to matter if no one really knows that it exists? That’s why we feel that it’s extremely important to make marketing a top priority. So, if you’re looking for some cheap and effective techniques to get the word out about your business, we have five solid ones for you below:
Cultivate relationships in social media. Aside from the fact that having accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Instagram and even Pinterest are great ways to market your business, it’s also an easy way to connect with newspapers, magazines, radio stations, blogs and other media sources that you probably wouldn’t be able to any other way. So look for publications and other platforms and reach out to a podcasting marketing agency that serves your demographic and try connecting with them. You never know what interview or story about you or your company could come out of it.
Have a newsletter. A smart and easy way to update people on what you have going on is by crafting a monthly newsletter. As an added bonus, it can help you to develop your own database. Plus, if you want to offer membership discounts or promo codes, you can conveniently do it within the newsletter as well. Constant Contact is a popular one that comes with a paid subscription. Or you can go with Mail Chimp for free.
Do some blogging and podcasting. When you’re trying to get more visitors to your website, it’s important that you provide content that is fresh, interactive and concise. Two ways that you can do that is by doing some blogging and podcasting. Personally, we recommend that you provide these options on your website; that you update your blog on a weekly basis, do a podcast a couple of times per month and people will always know where to go to find them.
Plan some giveaways. Everyone likes a giveaway even if it’s something as simple as a free T-shirt. So, don’t hesitate to offer some through your Facebook fan page and website. Just make sure that it focuses on one, making your customers feel appreciated and two, drawing more visitors to your website and social media accounts. For instance, it could be a free item to the one who gets the most people to sign up on your newsletter or something of that nature.
Get on some directories. Have you ever wondered why some businesses are getting a lot more attention that others? When it comes to their presence in cyberspace, it’s due to the fact that they are subscribed to some pretty brilliant directories; ones that make it easier for them to be found. If you would like to establish more of an online presence to your demographic, consider getting a subscription through Yahoo, Skaffe or Business. They do charge you to join, but they’re well worth the (marketing) investment.
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