As soon as you mention the words “marketing” or “publicity” people slump down in their chairs. It’s intimidating yes – because most people don’t really understand how to make these things fit in to today’s budgets.
There are of course a gazillion ways – but you first need to understand what ”marketing” means and how much it has evolved over the past decade. “Marketing” is every sliver of contact your company has with anyone in the outside world. That is everything from your website, to who answers your phones, how your email signature reads, branding strategies, your attitude and the passion you walk in with each morning. If any one of these things are off, you’re compromising your investment and future success. Here are ten sure fire ways to market your business successfully in today’s market and some wont cost you a red cent. We encourage our clients to use this formula and hope you’ll listen too!
1. Marketing does not mean investing a lot of money. But of course you can. You will get just as far investing time, energy, imagination and information. Aligning your values and getting organized doesnt cost you a penny. Think of these little but big things as the investment & surround yourself with a team that makes those rituals part of their daily life.
2. Stay commited and consistent.Often brands try an idea, give it six weeks and then change it up in fear it isnt working. Your idea may not make big impact for sixty days or even a year but that doesn’t mean it wont ever. The trick is building a brillant plan and sticking to it. In time, the commitment is what brings you results – not the actual plan. Also, be consistent – especially with your branding, logo, concept, etc. Don’t change things too much or too often. Give things a chance to work and make an impression.
3. You must have an artillary of marketing weapons! Marketing doesn’t just end with a sale. That mentality will be your demise. Keep people interested afterwards. Send them a thank you, offer an incentive, cater to their specific likes – make them think they are part of your brand’s growth. Stroke their egos just a tad!
4. Get technical.You can’t possibly compete with a brand that has multiple faces. Website, Twitter, Facebook, Tumbler - you need to step up your game. Find an intern that has mastered these resources, go to the library and get a book on social media, barter with a friend. It’s really not that hard to figure out if you’re willing to invest the time.
5. Dont compromise.This is a big one! If you have an idea, have been told it’s great but are frustrated things are moving slowly – here’s the solution - dont change a thing! You can’t be everything to everyone. There may be a few people who dont get what you’re doing or why you’re doing it. My favorite peice of advice, ”so what”! Practice those words and keep truckin. Word spreads fast so if you stick to your guns you will attract the right people. And if not, so what!
6. Dont be afraid of the age old telephone. We are so digitized these days that people fail to connect on a real level. Hearing someone’s voice delivers more than just words - you can hear passion, commitment and honesty – values that are important in any relationship.
7. Give stuff away. And by this, I don’t mean the kitchen sink. Be smart and deliver a program or incentive that people will appreciate but that wont hurt your bottom line. A wine store is better off offering glasses of wine every day than advertising in a daily newspaper. Over time, they will reap greater return and get to know their audience by building loyalty.
8. Skip the bells & whistles.Today’s consumers are smarter than ever and know the difference between style and substance. They don’t need whip cream and a cherry on top. They want trusted content and factual information in the simpliest and quickest form.
9.Be the next Fedex/Kinkos.When your competition comes staring you down, dont back away. Instead, try and find a way to work together. You may discover a partnership is more lucrative.
10. Act like a kid! Well, not all the time. But let’s face it. Kids have more fun. They ask a lot of questions, they’re persistent, they love to learn, their imaginations run wild, they dont take no for an answer and they love being the “first” to try something new. Study their behavior and apply it. You wont just be the new kid on the block, you’ll be the smartest.
And there you have it – the secret formula to success. If you need help making it happen, shoot us an email at info@winkpr.com.
