Marketing is more than just your ads and flyers. Successful marketing includes all the touchpoints you have with your customer. This article from B2B Marketing summarizes the 10 most important marketing tools nicely. Put your energy into these ten first!
- Online identity. All companies need to have a professional, user-friendly website that provides all the information they need.
- Networking. Building genuine relationships is the foundation of sucess because word of mouth is the most effective and most destructive facet of marketing. Ask people, “how can I help you?”
- A Good Logo. The face of your brand should be a simple, trustworthy and memorable logo. It should build respect.
- Branding. Consistently convey your look and message so that it is repeated to your customers.
- Search Engine Optimization. SEO is making sure your website content covers the bases of what your customer is looking for and has enough words to allow the search engine bots to understand what you are offering so they can match you to potential customers.
- Brand Loyalty. Your customers are your closest resource. Use strategies to gain repeat sales and referrals with techniques like rewards, discounts, and incentives.
- Focus on The Profitable. The 80/20 rule says that 80% of your sales come from 20% of your customers. Find more of those profitable customers and fire the ones who are costing you money.
- Customer Demographics. Know who your customers are, then target your messages, products, and advertising directly to that type of person.
- Be Part of Your Community. Customers have more trust in companies they think are socially integrated. You can achieve this by participating, engaging, and sponsoring. This goes hand in hand with networking. Be actively involved.
- Appreciate. Everyone likes to know they are appreciated. Establish goodwill by telling your customers and team, “I’m glad you’re here” and “keep up the good work!”
If you need help with any of these basic marketing tools, we offer a free consultation to discuss your top marketing needs. If you are interested we are happy to provide a proposal for marketing assistance where you need it.
