Online marketing can be a difficult concept to grasp and, depending on your approach, may not be as effective as you’d like for it to be. There are a few common mistakes people make, particularly small business owners, when it comes to marketing. We’re here to offer a few tips to help you improve your marketing strategy and cater to Milwaukee customers better.
Don’t start without a plan
When marketing for a small business, people too often think “if you’re using it, that’s all that matters.” That couldn’t be further from the truth. Social media channels can be an extremely effective tool to interact with customers, but without a clear content and execution strategy it will likely be a waste of time. Email, another great communication tool, can only be helpful if you have a clear idea of what you’re working towards. A good idea is to determine what you’d like to get out of each aspect of the marketing mix and how you can use them together.
Don’t feel like you have to do everything
Just because a marketing tool exists doesn’t mean it will be effective for your business – some things just aren’t worth your time. Consider your audience: on what social media networks are they most active? How often do they need/want to hear from you? If you don’t know this information, sending a simple online survey will help you find the answers.
Viewing marketing as something you just “have to do”
Sometimes attitude is the biggest factor. Not everyone loves marketing, and that’s okay! However, if you approach marketing as something you’re obligated to do, your customers will likely be able to tell. Rather than viewing marketing as “selling,” consider it a way to connect with people who matter to the success of your business. Try focusing on the relationship aspect and speak to customers as though you’re talking to a friend.
If you’re struggling to develop an effective marketing plan for your small business in the Milwaukee area, give us a call. Our expert staff will help you determine an approach to suit your company and audience.