When you’re first starting out in business or looking to reach, you likely don’t have unlimited means. You need to market your business if you’re interested in growing your brand, but you have to pinch your pennies in the process.
That’s not impossible. In fact, there are lots of ways to grow your brand on a budget. Following are the eight most cost-effective ways to increase your brand’s reach without blowing your budget.
1. Get your business listed for free
Create a free Google My Business account. This is a free service from Google that customers can view products and services, leave reviews, and find you on a Google search. Every started by search by saying, “Hey Siri, find a carwash near me?” Start today and keep your Google account up to date. Be sure to link your website and encourage others to leave a positive review.
Also, add your business to Apple Maps.
2. Get to know your customers
Who does your business serve? What qualities do those people possess?
Who is your ideal customer? Imagine how you would describe a character from your favorite television show. Where does he work? What are the main sources of conflict in his life? How does he spend his time? How much money does he make? Where does he live?
Answering all of these questions will help you get to know your ideal customer more intimately. Consequently, every piece of content or copy you write will speak directly to that person.
For instance, if your target customer is a young single mother with a full-time job and a small apartment or house, you would approach content differently than if you were targeting a middle-aged family man with kids in college and a low-stress job. You have to think like your customers if you want your products to appeal to them.
3. Develop your unique brand voice
A brand voice defines how you sound to other people. It makes you memorable and recognizable. Have you ever read Seth Godin’s blog? It’s an excellent example of a consistent voice in Knowledge Commerce. Godin’s voice (sparse, question-oriented, and inspiring) translates well into his books, his speeches, and his other endeavors. He’s great at metaphors, so he uses them liberally.
Your voice should resemble the way you’d talk to a friend or family member. Are you naturally funny? Do you tell lots of stories? Can you express complex ideas in easy-to-understand ways?
In other words, go with your strengths. Amplify them in your writing and speaking so you come across as relatable and genuine.
4. Social media presence
Some of your customers and prospects hang out on social media for hours each day. They catch up with friends, participate in memes, and scroll for inspiration.
You want to be there for them when they arrive. According to a MarketingSherpa study, 58 percent of respondents reported that they follow at least one brand on social media.
Start by choosing the best social platforms for your Knowledge Commerce business. Post content on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook and see what platform works best for your brand. Keep in mind you can post on Instagram and it can feed to Twitter and Facebook.
Then start building up your presence on those platforms. Follow influential people in your industry, engage with people who discuss your niche, and make your profile as professional as possible. Be sure to join and post in large groups on Facebook and use #’s on Twitter.
5. Start a blog — And keep it updated
Blogging is vital! Blog posts attract readers who might become customers. Just like this blog! And it also helps your website compete and gain traction on web browsers (like Google).
The point is that content building should serve as the cornerstone of your branding process. It’s what demonstrates to the world who you are and why you’re in business. It’s also a great way to show off your knowledge and skills and bolster your website.
If someone stumbles across your blog and discovers that you haven’t posted in six months, what might they think? They could assume that you’re no longer in business, for one.
Blogging is essential for Knowledge Commerce professionals, so don’t just start a blog — keep it updated. Share news about your business, start a blog series or share little-known tips with your audience.
6. Customer service is key
Customer service is key to keeping and gaining new clients. Your brand should revolve around how you treat customers. Demonstrate that you’re willing to answer questions, resolve complaints, and share your knowledge with the rest of the world.
7. Partner with other professionals
If people see that you’re associated with another strong brand, your brand becomes stronger as a result. That’s why companies often post the names or logos of their customers on their websites. It’s a form of social proof.
Partner with other professionals who have more customers or stronger brands than your own. Find ways to help those professionals.
8. Build a website that reaches
There aren’t many businesses that can survive without a web presence and there’s no reason not to have a website. A website can be a highly effective marketing tool that can be very cost-efficient. Read more.
Keep in mind, Reach is a website and marketing agency aimed at helping other small businesses, so feel free to give us a call for a no-obligation chat. Contact Now