Marketing tools for your business
Introduction
You have taken that leap, made lots of important business decisions about the day-to-day running of your small business, and now need to think about marketing. So, where do you start? How do you do it as cost effectively as possible? These marketing tools and tips will hopefully help you to answer these questions.
Branding
Your brand image is one of the most important marketing tools for your business. It will communicate your message effectively, and (potential) clients will immediately see if their requirements match your business. It really can make you stand out from the competition, so think very carefully about the impression you want to make.
Think about your brand values. For example, is your brand honest, reliable, cheap or luxurious? Brand values will form the basis of your message and an emotional response from the buyer. They need to trust the product/service, know what it does for them and have a favourable reaction when they hear or see the brand.
Manage your brand assets carefully to ensure consistency across all media platforms. This will not only strengthen your visual identity, it will also improve your marketing efforts and professional image.
Planning
There is that magic word again; you must plan. The old adage, ‘fail to plan, plan to fail’, should become your mantra in business. Planning is one of the key tools for marketing your small business and you should not ignore it.
Who are your potential customers, and what helps them make a buying decision? Your market research is imperative at this stage. Plan your promotions based on any seasonality that your business has.
As we know, marketing can be expensive, so ensure you do not waste precious resources by marketing somewhere your potential customers are unlikely to look.
Newsletters
Email marketing has become one of the most cost effective marketing tools. If you offer a ‘sign up’ button on your website, those who want regular updates on your business can get them. Newsletters should be regular; it can become an effective means of communicating with your customers when there is something important to say. In your newsletters, tell your customers about new products or services that you are introducing, or special offers.
Although newsletters can be a really useful marketing tool, be mindful not to email too often with non-relevant content. This will only put them off and your customers are likely to unsubscribe.
Website
You will have invested in your website, so make sure you utilise it. Have links to your social media, make sure it is easy to navigate and keep the content fresh and relevant.
Make sure your contact details are visible on every page. Also, have a contact form so people can put details of their enquiry on there, and importantly, be prompt in responding to these.
Social media
Social media is a very versatile tool. There is a large range of platforms now available, including: Facebook, Instagram; LinkedIn; Twitter; YouTube and so on. Pick the platform where you know your target market will be. While these methods may be free in terms of money, they can cost you a lot of time, so you need to make sure that is worthwhile.
Again, be consistent, but do not try to outright sell; the clue is in the word ‘social’ media. This is a great platform for them to get to understand your brand.
Use it not just to talk to your target market, but to also research them. Find out what they are saying. What do they want? What do they say about your competition?
As with all marketing, test and measure. Do not waste time on something that does not work for you.
Networking
Whilst social media is a great form of networking, we believe it should complement physical networking, not replace it. Yes, it will cost you money, but test and measure the return on investment so you can justify the cost.
Business may not happen overnight, you will need to be consistent and build up rapport with those you meet. Remember, these people then, figuratively, become your sales team. You never know who they know that will need your products or services.
Testimonials
Testimonials are an excellent tool for marketing. Make sure you promote these on your website, do not be shy! Take complements and use them (asking permission of course). People listen to other people, so using quotes from your customers can encourage others to buy from you.
Joint advertising
If you want to be in an expensive publication, look to do this in partnership with other businesses that complement your business. For example, a wedding dress business could do a joint advertisement with businesses that sell wedding cakes, car hire, venues, printers, or catering businesses, etc. This way, you can share the cost of an advertisement.
PR
Develop a good relationship with your local press, you never know where it may lead! However, make sure the press release you send is not blatant advertising. Make it appealing by thinking about the news aspect and the human interest side that will capture the imagination of people.
A useful tip for PR as a tool for marketing is to always try to send a good quality picture with your story, as this gets more attention. Remember, people like images; this will lead them into reading your story.
You can get further tips for writing your press release here.
Articles
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Do you understand the key climate change terms every business should know? Get to grips with net zero terminology and learn how you can use it to your advantage with our free resources.
Connecting businesses to support in Harrogate
Businesses in Harrogate have welcomed free drop-in days which are connecting them to support and friendly, local business advice specialists.
Successful female entrepreneurs prepare to pitch on International Women's Day
Six entrepreneurs, two angel investors, two chances to win up to £1000. That's the equation facing our successfully selected female founders on Wednesday 8th March at York Marriot Hotel.
Events
28th April 20239:00 am - 10:00 amFREE
28 Apr - How to make your Social Enterprise survive risks: the art of Horizon Scanning
Join Professor Jeff Gold online to find out why Horizon Scanning is an important tool to master for your Social Enterprise, and how it can improve your resilience and prepare you for future changes.
22nd May 20233:30 pm - 5:30 pmFREE
22 May - Social & private partnership development networking
This networking event will bring together private and social organisations so they can find out more about each organisation's needs and work together to solve some of our social and economic issues.
18th April 20239:00 am - 5:00 pmFREE
18 Apr - Harrogate Co-Lab: Business Support Drop-In Session
This free drop-in service based in Harrogate can help answer your questions and direct you to relevant business support, resources and programmes.
Resources
Glossary of Climate Change Terms for Businesses
A free digital glossary defining the key climate change terms relevant to businesses, to help you understand and engage with sustainability resources and support.
2022 Seminar Recordings
We have recently hosted a programme of in-person seminars and other events, some of which were professionally recorded and can now be viewed on our website.
Seminar Recording : Access to finance: Funding growth
This workshop will provide guidance on cost based pricing, calculating your costs before deciding an appropriate margin, as well as covering market based pricing asking questions such as: What value do you add? What are you worth? How do you position yourself?