Several Croydon small businesses are tiny small or one-person operations with limited marketing & time resources. Television, radio or bus adverts on the 109 are not an option. The following tips are methods you can use to help you market your business:
1. Focus on a Target Market
Focusing on a specific target market reduces expenses and increases efficiency. You can reduce you marketing spend because people in the same industry read similar publications and maybe part of similar networks.
2. Shout and Hook!
Develop a strong message. State what problems you solve. Maintain the benefits of your services. Explain why you get results. Stress what makes you unique. The hook is explaining the common problems and how your business provides solutions.
3. Create a Marketing Tool
Develop a marketing tool that sets you apart from your competitors. Create something that can be left in the hands of customers to make them think favourably about your product or service. This could be information, a guide and yes even a humble flyer. The key is to maintain a clear call to action (e.g. CALL TODAY!) that includes your contact details.
4. Get Visible to Your Target Audience
Start networking. Attend conferences, fairs, trade-shows. Build on the names of the people you know. Contact each person, outlining your business and how it solves common customer problems. Ensure you get the names of two leads from each contact who can be contacted for further information. Contact the leads but don’t do the hard sell, rather, tell them how you got their details and why they may be interested in your product/service.
5. Maintain contacts and Ensure Credibility
Keep following on up with contacts and build relationships. Keep listening to customer needs and respond quickly to requests. It is normal to take 4 to 5 pitches to customers before they use your product/service. Stay in touch via newsletters or give them a call once every two months. Manage your referrals
In summary, marketing your business takes time and effort. Its not rocket science and it often feels frustrating and difficult the first few times, but be disciplined, show patience, maintain your contacts and think positive. Up Croydon!
|
