Every business needs to create a marketing strategy in order to generate new business while staying at the top of the minds of current customers.
When it comes to the marketing of a business, most think of media advertising, and this is true. But there are other ways for business owners to market their entity such as social media marketing. Best of all, some of the other marketing methods including social media marketing are inexpensive, which is perfect for new or struggling business owners.
Below are five strategies for you to consider the next time you want to engage in a marketing campaign:
Ask for referrals
This might seem like an easy strategy to use, but amazingly, there’s a good number of business owners who are too shy to ask for them. They’re also under the false impression that asking for referrals comes across as sleazy or desperate. But nothing could be further from the truth, especially when the ask is conducted in an engaging manner.
It’s been proven time and again that people would rather do business with those whom they know, like, and trust. When you ask for referrals from happy customers, then your happy customers serve as your unofficial street promotion team. And best of all…referrals from happy customers are free!
If you’d like to take advantage of this free and powerful marketing tool, then make it your business to ask for referrals, and often. And it goes without saying that you should provide your customers with the type of service that warrants them rendering you a referral.
Nurture your current relationships
No one wants to feel like the only time their concerns are heard, or their feedback is generated is one the business wants their money. Also, no one wants to feel ignored or cast aside. This is why it’s crucial for you to nurture your current relationships with your customers.
Using an email marketing platform is the most efficient way for you to engage in nurturing. This allows you to send message broadcasts, blog updates, and other crucial pieces of information that you’d like to share with your customers.
Keep your relationships organized
If you’re not interested in using a full-on platform to spark conversations, then you can subscribe to a host of customer relationship management (CRM) platforms. This allows you to keep a current list of your current customers and vendors, along with pertinent pieces of information about them.
Sales, promotions, and coupons
Everyone loves finding ways to ease the strain on their wallets, and many consumers make finding ways to save money a part-time job. With this in mind, using sales, promotions, and coupons as a regular part of your marketing is a great strategy to use.
This is a time-tested strategy that works because it creates immediacy in the minds of consumers. They understand that there’s a time limit attached to this strategy, so they’ll want to rush to your brick and mortar (or online) business. Not only does this work with new customer, it also generates spending from current customers.
Networking still works
Networking still works, especially if you operate a B2B entity. The key is to attend functions that allow you to meet interested parties while giving out your business information. Again, people do business with those that they know, like, and trust.
