Create a Content Marketing Strategy Before Starting
Start marketing strategies with a plan. Living in the digital age, it can be hard to decide which is best for you and your operation. Our first suggestion is to start by making a list. Take a look at others’ website to see what you like and what could work for your operation.
Search Yourself on the Internet
A good way to start your list is by looking up your business on search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo. By doing a search of your business, you can see how easily accessible your business information is to the public. You may also find that people have left reviews of your business on the search engine or review websites such as TripAdvisor or Yelp. This is an easy way to see what feedback your customers are giving about your business. Searching your business is also a way to make sure the hours, location, contact names, prices and other information listed is correct.
Update or Create a Website
Having an internet presence is important in the current digital age to give your business legitimacy. However, in order to make it be legitimate, it has to look professional. Make your website look appealing and easily accessible even on a phone or tablet. The internet is the yellow pages of today; this makes it convenient for your customers. This also makes it convenient for people to look up your hours.
Start a Blog
Adding a blog to your website can add a personal touch to your business. Blogs are a great way to tell customers about your day-to-day activities, upcoming events, and share how-to guides. There are many free blogs that can be upgraded with a monthly subscription such as Wordpress, Blogger, Weebly, Wix and many others. Blogs can also be used in conjunction with social media websites by sharing links in the posts.
Social Media
Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and SnapChat just to name a few. Social Media is one of the cheapest ways to get the word out about your business. Without a social media presence, it could cause your customers to question your legitimacy and modernity. Avoid having every post be an advertisement, make it personal. Like blogs, this is a great way to educate, entertain, inspire, inform and make customers feel a part of your day-to-day life.
Think Outside of the Box
Think outside the box or even think within the box. There is nothing wrong with using “old school” methods of marketing such as radio, newspapers, billboards and mailers. Other ways to promote your business includes making videos, infographics, creating a newsletter, organizing a class or workshop or go to trade shows to simply talk face to face with customers. This is your marketing plan; you get to decide what is best for your business. Have fun with marketing, there is no rulebook and in today’s world, uniqueness sells!
- Katie Schrodt, Communications Intern