In order to thrive in today’s economy, every business must have a cohesive marketing strategy. However, marketing can sometimes feel like a money sinkhole. So, instead of throwing money at marketing and crossing your fingers, here are ten ideas that can help you improve your current marketing strategy.
1. Find partnerships.
There are other companies that use your product or parallel your industry. Partner with these companies to cross-promote on each other’s platforms.
2. Ask your customers to help.
Customer generated content is a boon to the modern business. A recent survey showed that user generated content is 20% more influential to purchase decisions made by millennials than other media. So, ask your customers to share their stories on your social media sites, write about you in a blog post or post a review about your company online.
3. Seek out influencers.
Find the top influencers in your industry and provide them with content they can show their audience. If you are a veterinarian, you might want to partner with Dogs of Instagram. If you are a restaurant you could share a recipe with the Martha Stewart blog.
4. Diversify your marketing.
Although social media is consumed by enormous numbers of people, don’t restrict your marketing to just a few online platforms. Try sending out an e-newsletter, publish a print ad, or buy space in a magazine.
5. Predict results in advance.
Instead of just throwing marketing concepts at a wall and seeing what sticks, get advance knowledge by asking your key customers and influencers their opinion of your newest campaign. You can even make this survey a marketing campaign on its own, by emphasizing that it’s an exclusive look into your business.
6. Let customers use your platforms for interaction.
Many customers like to use social media and newsletters as a way to interact with a business or even with each other. Allow this to happen! Encourage customer comments and discussion.
7. Be consistent.
Some companies decide to use different branding across a variety of platforms. This can make customers feel the company is inconsistent and confusing. Instead, be consistent with your messaging and with your presence upon any platform. If you cannot be present, don’t use that medium for marketing or interaction.
8. Use A/B testing.
It’s possible that after your surveying there are two campaigns that customers enjoy equally. Try using A/B testing to find which is the most effective in the real world.
9. Staticize and monitor.
Marketing is all about statistics. If you cannot understand how effective your campaign is, you have no idea what is working and what is not. Be sure to use statistics on every marketing action you do.
10. Have fun.
Even though there are many factors involved in marketing, you can still have fun! Create your campaign from the heart and bring in your team spirit as you build on your marketing strategy.
Get *free* online and email marketing tips and strategies by signing up here!
We provide marketing consulting here at Business Success Consulting Group. If you need to develop a well-defined business marketing strategy, contact us today.
