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Marketing Tips
© 2014 Katherine Williams. All rights reserved.
Chicago, Illinois 60615 ♦ (773) 405-
Eight Small Business Marketing Strategies
It would be great if every small business could attract customers and make sales
through word-
A marketing plan makes it possible to analyze the internal and external factors that affect your business and your ability to promote it . It also provides the opportunity to clearly define your target market and develop the mix of promotional activities that are most appropriate for your business.
Although there are a number of different ways to structure a marketing plan, common elements include the following: executive summary, mission statement, company analysis, description of target market, competitive analysis, overview of products or services, analysis of the external environment (i.e., economic, social, technological, etc.), marketing campaign goals, marketing budget, and conclusion.
Because of its wide reach, marketing via the Internet can open the door to a steady
stream of customers. Creating a web site loaded with keyword rich, high-
Marketing has to be ongoing. If you are not putting your business in the presence of your target market on a continuous basis, your competition will woo your customers away from you and corner the market on new customers.
If customers or prospective customers do not believe they are valued, they will go to your competitors. Offering superior products or services and customer care during every customer interaction will show them just how valued they really are. Even the rare, relatively minor mistake can drive customers away, especially if your industry is brimming over with competitors. Furthermore, some customers will dwell on one bad experience and tell others about it. Therefore, we must be diligent in creating a welcoming, supportive environment for our customers.
Every employee or representative of your business must strive to portray confidence
during every encounter with customers or potential customers. Confidence is about
showing genuine interest in customers and listening to their needs. It requires
presenting in-
Creating a brand is not just for multi-
Receiving referrals via satisfied customers is one of the best ways to acquire new
business. It’s free advertising that carries a lot of weight. But satisfied and
loyal customers may not think to tell others about your business. A well-
To be successful, a referral program must offer customers something of real value,
be well-
Engaging in public relations involves building positive relationships with customers and prospective customers. It is a way for businesses to attract attention and establish strong reputations. Public relations activities include sending press releases to media, speaking at events, sponsoring community events, and writing articles that provide bylines.
These are just some of the marketing strategies that can help your small business grow and thrive. The key is to develop a plan and work on it consistently while giving yourself permission to make mistakes and change what is not working.
Copyright 2009 Katherine Williams. All rights reserved.