Market Your Own Business Better
By Marie Cauley
Most people who start their own businesses have the responsibility of promotion fall on their shoulders from the very beginning. This can be tough to do while you’re trying to do the actual work at the same time. But you can’t get any type of venture off the ground without it, and you are your own best advertisement. After all, if you don’t believe in your own skills or business, who will?
It is just as important to continue marketing yourself once you are already established. Even if you hire someone to help, you still need to keep your hand in marketing to make sure your company is being presented in the way you wish the world to view it. Promotion is a never ending task, but if you learn to do it smartly you will see your business grow and prosper.
In honor of June being Entrepreneurs Do It Yourself Marketing Month, here are some tips to get – and keep – you moving in the right direction.
- If you have a limited budget, choose internet marketing over direct mail. Not only do you save the cost of mailing supplies and postage, but it’s easier to track visitors and sales. Besides, many people immediately toss out anything they deem junk mail, so the flyer you worked so hard to create may not even be read.
- If you do try direct mail, make sure you do your research. Don’t throw out your own “junk mail”; look through it to see what you can learn. Do these other companies cross-promote with other events? Do they offer special coupons or frequent customer programs? Take a look at what other successful companies are doing and figure out what aspects you can apply to your own business.
- Use social media to draw attention to your company or service. The majority of people spend a lot of time on sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and according to Business Women’s Network, women are leading the way. People are more likely to notice a business if it’s promoted on social media, so link to your business often and engage with your potential customers. If these people love what you do, they will spread the word on social media as well.
- Keep track of what works. If certain promotions bring a decent amount of success, keep using them from time to time. Cross anything off your list of marketing ideas you have tried that that doesn’t bring enough business to the table to warrant the cost.
- Word of mouth still works. Be ready to talk about your business to anyone and everyone, especially at networking events such as Ladies Who Launch. Your enthusiasm will rub off and get people interested. Don’t forget to ask satisfied customers to mention you to their friends either!
If you would like to check out additional marketing ideas, here are a few sites to consider:
http://womeninbusiness.about.com
Follow these tips and do your homework when it comes to promotion. June just might be the month that makes your business blossom!
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