When was the last time your brick-and-mortar store came alive with the bustling chatter of a full shop? How about the last time customers shared one of your social media posts?
For most small business owners, answering those questions can result in a lot of hard reflection.
Rest assured, it’s never too late! Keep reading to learn how to promote a small business in ways that your audience will love.
1. Stop Thinking Like a Businessperson
96% of consumers say they don’t trust traditional advertising. If you’re using the same old methods you’ve tried before, you can’t expect different results; just a lot of wasted time and effort.
Though business growth is the ultimate goal, don’t get so caught up in strategizing that you lose what makes your business special: you!
Customers want their favorite brands to have a unique voice. One that speaks directly to its audience in a fun, friendly way and offers something of value to the customer.
Aim to inform and entertain first. Once your customers know you’re a reliable source, they’re more likely to do business with you.
2. Don’t Hesitate to Outsource
Whether you’re worried about time or you don’t think you have the technical expertise to adequately promote your small business, it’s so easy to find yourself in over your head. Don’t let that stop you from generating brand awareness, though!
Instead, think about investing some of your marketing budget with a marketing agency. There are tons of agencies that specialize in helping small, local businesses reach their marketing goals without overspending, so you can find a solution no matter how big or small your budget might be.
From helping you figure out how to start a social media campaign to executing a video strategy and everything in between, outsourcing is the most affordable way to get world-class marketing expertise for a fraction of what it would cost to bring on a new hire.
3. Meet Your Audience Where They Are
No matter how you choose to spend your marketing budget, it’s vital for business owners to understand how their customers make purchasing decisions.
As discussed, the marketing methods of yesterday just don’t work anymore. You can’t wait for your audience to find you, so it’s up to you to find them.
That means learning everything you can about your audience.
What sites do they visit? How often do they read reviews? What sways their purchasing decisions?
These are important questions to consider when choosing where to invest your marketing efforts.
4. Don’t Just Market, Engage
Promoting a business isn’t just about ads. Customers are looking for genuine engagement with the brands they care about, meaning you’ll have to become part of the conversation.
Don’t take engagement for granted.
A customer leaving a positive review for your business is their personal endorsement. Taking a few moments out of your day to thank them shows that you’re listening and that you care.
How to Promote a Small Business Effectively
Learning how to promote a small business is all about empathy for your customers. By placing yourself in their shoes, you can create fun, engaging content that leads to better public perception and stronger sales.
Need some more tips for business branding? We’ve got plenty! Check out our blog for more.
