Marketing Strategy for Small Business
The ideal marketing strategy for small businesses has many components. The concept of actually marketing has changed drastically in the last decade and not just for small business, but for ALL business. Why? Well in my opinion its the theory of large numbers.
The fact is: If a company does not have a website, it seems not to exist.
There are still small business owners who are convinced they do not need a website.
Honestly, I cannot think of any service or product, that would not benefit from an online presence. Well, maybe a “Hire a Hitman” would not want to be online, but in most cases, even if a company is highly recommended, a potential, ideal customer may not acquire its services without getting to know it first.
This is a logical reaction of today’s consumer – we want to know more before making the “right” choice of provider for our necessity. And this is where marketing strategy for small business becomes important.
I am a Marketing Consultant who likes Web Design and creating marketing strategy for small business.
Creating a marketing strategy for small business is fun for me. My dream is to make this into a career because I know, when you find a job you love, you wont work a day in your life.
When I went to college, I had a different idea of my ideal career, but my elective classes all had to do with marketing and strategy. I didn’t believe marketing was a good career choice then. But in recent years, after spending quite a bit or time and money on education, I realized that it is my passion.
During college, I started working as a brand ambassador for different companies. I also worked for a contractor, as an office manager, which was my opportunity to experiment. I constantly tried to figure out ways for him to get new clients. Next, I worked for a trade company, and gained experience in planning and buying traditional marketing media, including Out of Home and Print and Radio advertising. I also gained invaluable experience with trade transactions and how they can bring value to businesses.
This realization may be because of the major changes in the marketing industry, or the fact that I can instinctively analyze and offer a marketing solution for different brands. I brainstorm ideas, analyze, and choose the best way to show each company, their strengths values, and expertise. With the drive to learn, I have always been able to realize at least one differentiating facto, identify the ideal market, and present the brand to that market.
I am constantly learning in my career. Consulting to small companies requires research of the industry, the market, the specific brand and their competition.
Each brand is different, thus the marketing strategy for each will differ.
Changes in Marketing Strategy Concepts
In the past, marketing included traditional media and pushy messages. Today, it is focused more on awareness, engagement, communication and information sharing. The best way to get new clients, is to inform them of your services or products. Focusing on customer experience. How the brand treats their customers, and what those customers need to become loyal consumers.
Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.
WILLIAM POLLARD
No wonder Google, and Facebook keep changing their algorithm.
I don’t believe one strategy works for any two brands; there may be similarities, or same steps to find a solution, but in the end, the strategy will always differ. And usually, the original marketing strategy will change because of analysis, research and changes in buying personas of the ideal customer. I am always ready to adapt, which enables me to constantly improve the marketing strategy.
Online Marketing has become the most important aspect of any marketing plan for small business, or any business in fact. There are numerous ways to attract and engage potential clients online.
The best change that took place, in my opinion, is the necessity of companies to be humanistic in their marketing approach, and focus on customer experience.
Ask me why I think this is important…
My Digital Marketing Strategy for Small Business
First and foremost, any marketing strategy for small business, needs clear communication between everyone involved. Building an effective Marketing plan is based on data, trial and error and analysis of results.
Communication is crucial to have a successful strategic marketing campaign. Whether your focus is on digital marketing, Social Media and SEO, there is a need to learn about the target market, from the different parts of the company. Each area, including sales, service, and others can offer specific customer details which help guide the marketing messages to reach that customer.
The first steps to creating the ideal marketing strategy for small business is to identify the target market and analyze who they are, what problems they are trying to solve, how they buy, and their dislikes. Without this, it is difficult to figure out the goals and steps needed to reach those goals. The next steps are to communicate your company’s purpose, which should provide a solution to their problem. When they buy, the goal is to make sure they are happy with your service.
If you would like to see if there is something missing in the marketing strategy for your small business, check out my services. I can’t help but give some free ideas, so send me an email.