It’s hard work to turn a business plan into a successful enterprise. One important ingredient is marketing and promotion. Here are 10 tips for small business and practice owners that will help you to promote and grow your business.
There are many ways to promote a business, all with varying costs, resource and effort requirements. During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital promotion has become even more important. Some digital techniques need a little technical know-how but are worth it in the end.
Here are some useful tips to help you promote your small business.
Online presence
1. Create and verify your Google Business Profile
Creating a business profile ensures it shows up in Google Maps results, local searches, and in the Knowledge Panel is Search results. Verifying the ownership of your lists allows you to optimise your listing so it shows up higher in search results. This is essentially free publicity as potential customers are already searching for you or what your business does.
2. Get a website, start a blog, and share your content
No matter how small your business is, you need a website to establish your online presence. It’s usually the first thing customers check and if they can’t find you online, your credibility could be questioned.
Content is an important part of your marketing strategy and one of your goals should be to become a thought leader and trusted authority within your industry by producing educational and compelling content.
Learn more: How much content do you need and how should you share your content?
3. Implement SEO and run Google Ads
SEO is a collection of tactics that work together to improve your Google ranking, which is essentially free promotion, but it could take weeks or even months to produce results. Advertising on Google (search engine marketing) works more immediately. Use your budget to put your business at the top of search results and increase your exposure to future customers.
4. Create and optimise listings on the major directories
When you create a listing on a major directory, it will automatically feed into most smaller ones, so be sure you’re listed on all the major ones: Google, Yelp, Facebook, major industry directories, Glassdoor, Bing, etc. When you set it up make sure you optimise it by filling out as much relevant information as possible, adding photos, and posting reviews.
5. Get, monitor, and respond to customer reviews
People rely on online reviews to decide where to take their business. Don’t be afraid to ask satisfied customers or clients to go online and give your business a review. Keep an eye on the various websites people leave reviews on and do your best to respond to any and all reviews. Remember, potential customers see how you interact and handle issues which can make or break your reputation.
6. Send marketing emails
Email continues to be the preferred mode of communication for many people and email marketing is a simple way to reach people. Your message is delivered to someone directly, can be segmented and personalised, is easy to track and work out return on investment.
Learn more: How email marketing can help you reach your target audience.
Social media
7. Prioritise Facebook
As the largest online social network, Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with your customers. Depending on your business, there are a variety of ways to use the platform – from Facebook events to live sessions, you can reach a new audience just by staying connected.
8. Connect and contribute on LinkedIn
Known as the “professional social network”, LinkedIn is a great place to join industry discussions, connect with new customers, form new partnerships, or even network.
9. Publish and advertise videos on YouTube
If you have the budget and know-how to produce videos, consider using YouTube. Another valuable asset to have, videos are a great source of content that will not only allow people to see you as a trusted authority, but will also go a long way to help promote your business. As with all other platforms, you can also advertise on the platform.
10. Share on Twitter
If your target audience tends to be younger, Twitter might suit you. It does require more attention due to the quantity of content you are competing with but it’s a great way to establish your presence in your chosen industry and promote your business.
Learn more: How we can help create a voice for your business through social media.
Don’t have time to do all this yourself?
We offer the full spectrum of marketing solutions – from strategy, brand and design to content, email marketing, social media management, and everything in between. If you’re unfamiliar with any of these practices or simply want to learn more about how a marketing partner can help take your business to the next level, get in touch with us today.
