3 Things Your Business Needs
While small businesses may have similar objectives as larger businesses when it comes to marketing, the mediums utilized to achieve those objectives may differ. With capital likely to be much more limited than that of larger corporations, it makes sense for small business owners to focus on doing a few things well, rather than mimic the marketing infrastructure of larger competitors. Below we’ve narrowed it down to three areas we recommend small businesses hone in on.
1. Social Media
A strong social media strategy is essential to successful marketing. Having a strong social media presence allows new and existing customers to connect with the brand in an accessible and informal way. It is a direct communication line with customers.
This communication line is key, as it allows the business to keep customers updated with news and changes, and also allows customers to provide instant feedback to the brand. This feedback loop between brand and customers gives business owners insight into customers’ thoughts and needs, likes and dislikes. Business owners can then use this information to augment strategies and products for increased value add.
Beyond this, social media exists as a way to build brand awareness. Most small businesses would benefit from utilizing key social media platforms to serve different purposes, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. The content created on these platforms, and other social media platforms, is also important from a technical aspect, as it improves SEO. SEO is a central point of social media strategy, as it is a cost effective way to organically boost traffic.
2. Email
Email lists are another cost effective way to communicate with customers. According to Hubspot, email lists are even more effective than social media alternatives for acquiring new customers. Using email marketing software, business owners can automate emails, target potential and existing customers, send out monthly newsletters, extract valuable data and metrics, and create business conversions.
When it comes to emails, we recommend value add before pushing sales. By utilizing content marketing, emails can serve the purpose of building a loyal following and trust between brand and customer. Establishing trust, through content marketing, can yield higher return on investment than overt advertising. This is because customers who feel a sense of loyalty and trust in the brand may make several purchases over time, rather than a single purchase.
3. CRM System
CRM, or Customer Relationship Management, is a system for managing relationships and interactions with clients and potential customers. CRM is useful for maintaining a record of communication, purchases, and marketing content. We ❤️ Pipedrive and use this daily. Here is a link to give you 30 days FREE, if you’re interested in taking your business to the next level.
CRM has the ability to analyze customer data by gathering information about the customer, including previous purchases, service history, prior interactions and more. This data allows for greater understanding of the customers wants, needs, and behavior, which can inform marketing strategy. Aggregated data can be used for predictions in customer behavior, predictions about content performance, sales forecasting, and the identification of trends on an individual and broader level.
CRM is also efficient from an operational standpoint, as processes can be automated in a customized way. In turn, waste is reduced and customer satisfaction is optimized. By automating communication on an individual level and based on metrics, customers are systematically acquired and retained, resulting in increased sales and ultimately, greater profit for the small business owner.
We are a certified Pipedrive Expert (see below), which is rigorous training to learn the software and the ability to resell it.
