Whether you run a petite ethical clothing line, a speciality bakery or a local architecture firm, elevating your small business in an overly crowded marketplace can be a daunting prospect. However, with the right marketing techniques, you can raise your company’s profile, increase sales, and grow your brand’s reputation. In this blog post, we’ll explore a handful of marketing strategies designed to help you propel your small business to new heights.
1. Understand and Leverage Your Unique Selling Proposition
Your unique selling proposition (USP) is what sets your small business apart from competitors. Understanding what makes you distinctive will allow you to create a compelling brand story that resonates with your target market. Use this story across all of your marketing materials for a consistent brand message that is strong, clear, and impactful.
2. Invest in a High-Quality Website
A professional, user-friendly website is invaluable for any small business. When your business is small, every new customer counts, and an intuitive, well-designed website can drastically boost your visibility and positively impact your conversion rates. Umpteen potential customers will visit your website before they ever set foot in your shop or offices, so make sure it accurately reflects your brand’s professionalism and quality.
3. Embrace Social Media Marketing
Social media platforms offer a low-cost, highly effective way of not only reaching new potential customers, but also engaging with your existing ones. From creating engaging content to running targeted advertising campaigns, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can significantly boost your small business’s visibility. Remember though, it’s not just about being visible — quality interaction with your customers through these platforms can help foster a sense of community, loyalty, and repeat business.
4. Leverage Local SEO
If you run a location-dependent business such as a restaurant, cafe, or salon, Local SEO can be a game-changer. By creating a strong local online presence, you can attract more business from relevant local searches in your area. Factors that influence local SEO include Google My Business listings, customer reviews, and keyword optimisation tied to your location.
5. Leverage Email Marketing
Email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for reaching and retaining customers. You can use email to do everything from announcing a new product to sharing valuable content. For smaller businesses, email can be an ideal way to keep your brand at the forefront of your customer’s minds while steadily building a loyal following.
6. Collaborate
Consider partnering with brands that share your ethos and target the same customer base. Not only does this extend your audience, but it also lends credibility. From sharing each other’s posts to launching a joint product or service, collaboration can be an effective marketing tool.