BLOG: Quick tips for small business marketing

AKRON — We all know that I love social media and think it’s a great tool for small business marketing. While it is an important piece to any small business’ marketing puzzle, I do encourage everyone to take a look at what else is out there as well. Going on social media may help you hit some target demographics, but how can you reach the rest?

Here are five quick tips for social media marketing:

• Personalized email: According to Entrepreneur magazine’s website, the Direct Marketing Association said for every dollar invested, email marketing generates a $40 return on investment (ROI).

“The problem is, while we used to get excited for the ‘You’ve got mail!’ chime, e-mail inboxes have become increasingly crowded. It’s it difficult to capture a customer’s attention.”

• Pay attention: A Business 2 Community article gave some simple, but great advice about small business marketing: Business owners should make it a routine to monitor what consumers are saying about them across the web, whether it’s a review, rating or social post.

Being active with any conversation online can only help you, as long as you respond in a positive manner. Additionally, part of the charm of a small business is that you can be more personable than bigger companies. Business owners responding can really resonate with your audience. You are showing that you are taking care of them.

• In-person networking: Small Business Trends advises business owners to get out there and see the people! Visit local events — and of course take photos so you can share them on social media later. Use your place in the community to your advantage to get your name out there. Sponsoring local events is also a great way to get the community acquainted with your business.

• Realize marketing IS important: This seems simple, but to some small business owners it’s not. As stated in The Huffington Post: “There’s a perception that marketing is nice, but unnecessary for a business. As long as you’re producing something of value (a product or a service), every other strategy your company uses must be superfluous.”

• Pens: I know this sounds a little off, but I firmly believe pens are a great way of getting your company name out there. Although the world is getting more technically advanced, there are still reasons why people need writing instruments. Pens are also the things people often forget to carry. The more “techy” alternative of this is a jump drive. Giving away simple things that everyone needs that has your company name, phone number and address can be a great way to promote your business. The best part is, since everyone needs pens and jump drives, you can use them at your business too. Employees need pens to write with at the shop. Why wouldn’t you use ones that promote your business?

It’s a constant reminder too. I’ll be honest, as a journalist, I always have a pen on me because you never know when you will come across a story. As an overachiever in preparation, I have at least five pens in my purse at any given time, just in case I lose one — or three — or one runs out of ink. I end up using a lot of hotel pens. Every time I stay somewhere, I end up using the pen in the room and take it with me. For months after I travel somewhere, I have those hotel pens. This can work for you as well as a service provider.

 

Here are some additional resources:

1. Personalizing Ads Can Boost Marketing for Small Businesses


2. 5 Digital Marketing Rules Every Small Business Needs to Know


3. Your Massive Guide to Small Business Marketing on a Budget 


4. What Small Businesses Must Know About Next-Generation Marketing


5. The Small Business Owner: A One-Man Band [Infographic]


6. Top Tech Tools To Help Your Small Business Grow

BLOG: Quick tips for small business marketing