Looking to start your first business or in the process of doing so? The list of things you have to figure out can feel long and tricky. Even people who have owned a business before knowing that it takes a rather heroic effort. But, while the competition can be fierce and the learning curve is steep, you can set your company up for success if you consider some critical factors from the jump.
As you get your company off the ground, you have much to consider and a lot of work to do. But, as you get going, one aspect you can’t ignore is marketing and advertising. While you might have a small budget for this at first, there are simple ways you can market your company and find new customers.
Whether you have an online store, storefront, or both, marketing your business is vital. It’s crucial whether you sell a physical product or create digital software. So, no matter what kind of new business you have, these five tips can help you reach your target audience and bring in revenue.
Tip 1: Connect With Influencers
Getting your company’s name out there is essential. Influencers reach many people on social media, so as you start out, this is an excellent way to advertise your business without spending too much money. Of course, you’ll likely be working with smaller influencers or local ones, but this strategy can still pay off.
While more prominent influencers have a higher fee for their ads, many newcomers will be happy to collaborate with you, often in exchange for free goods and services.
Tip 2: Don’t Forget Physical Materials
While most companies today mainly focus on online marketing, you may still have times when you need to use print materials. If you’re a local business, you may want fliers or posters that advertise certain events or promote a grand opening. Or, if you’re planning to be an online store that ships nationwide, you may have times you need to print informational materials for customers or conferences, such as booklets or magazines.
It’s helpful to have a printing company on hand for these moments and to research these marketing approaches.
Tip 3: Consider Hiring A Contractor
Online marketing can be complex, with many facets to understand. To start with, you want to have someone with good writing skills who can produce attention-grabbing words on your website. Then, there are the complexities of using things like search engine optimization and social media advertising.
While learning some of this yourself through online research on small business marketing is applicable, you may not have time to know enough about it to succeed. Instead, most companies rely on marketing companies or freelancers for assistance. While you’ll need to consider your budget, hiring a contractor for work like creating or writing your website is likely worth it.
Tip 4: Set Up a Recognizable Brand
A huge component of marketing any business is branding. Branding includes many factors, such as your logo, social media pages, and advertising materials. You also want to develop a strong mission statement and story that’s easily communicated to your current and potential customers.
While you may still be figuring out many things about your company, the sooner you can cultivate a cohesive brand, the better.
While figuring out you’re advertising and marketing approaches for your new business takes effort, you can utilize these four tips to help you along the journey.