Special note: Hi, everyone! This is the first time I’ve ever posted an article from another writer. (I’ve received many submissions, but I’ve always turned them down—I’m just too picky!) However, this time was different. I’d like to introduce you to Carley Gilbert, who submitted this article for my consideration. I thought it was excellent, and so I’m sharing it with you. I think you’ll agree that Carley has a bright future in the communications world. If you’d like to engage Carley in a writing assignment, here’s how to reach her: carleygilbert06@gmail.com I hope you enjoy Carley’s article, and I’ll see you in three weeks!
The marketing landscape has evolved over the years, with the advent of new technologies such as smartphones and social media. Nowadays, it takes more than flyers or a classified ad to get noticed. Businesses have to rethink their strategies in order to stand out in a crowded marketplace. With that said, we’ve listed down some tips to elevate your business marketing:
Maximize social media
People have increasingly been using social media for both leisure and work. And with the COVID-19 pandemic keeping everyone indoors, roughly 46% to 51% more U.S. adults have been spending their time on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Given these statistics, businesses should capitalize on the shift in consumer habits.
Social media has various traits that set it apart from legacy advertising methods. This gives business owners the latitude to whip up creative and unique gimmicks such as livestreaming events, using interactive gifs, or even riding on trendy memes. The key is to always keep your content relevant to your audience.
The learning curve for social media can be steep, especially because of its constantly changing features. But the smart use of it can drive tons of engagement — and thus, potential sales — for your business.
Gather testimonials
Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools an entrepreneur has in their arsenal. And because the internet has made it much easier to evaluate businesses — even before purchasing any products or services — positive testimonials have become a key part of any effective PR strategy.
Indeed, favorable reviews hold weight, build brand trust, and generate buzz about your business. Best of all, you don’t have to shell out cash for them since they’re completely organic! As such, you should actively be seeking feedback from clients, especially those with whom you’ve had positive interactions. Collate these testimonials and post them on your website or social media platforms. You can also direct satisfied customers to sites such as Yelp, Amazon, or Trip Advisor, where they can leave comments and suggestions about your services.
Learn how to write
While it’s true that anyone can write, not everyone can write well. If you truly want to improve your marketing skills, you’ll have to do more than just put pen to paper. Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to help you cultivate good writing habits.
For example, you can take a business writing seminar or watch tutorials on YouTube to help you craft more professional copy. Always be vigilant about your grammar and spelling, as customers and business partners can be ruthless when it comes to grammatical errors. Learn to tailor your style and voice to your audience in order to grab and keep their attention. Remember: excellent writing lies at the core of every great marketing campaign.
Hire a marketing expert
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there’s a huge demand for digital marketers today. In fact, at least 21,800 new careers in the fields of advertising, promotion, and marketing are expected to open up by 2028. The high demand for such jobs has spurred many universities to update their marketing degree curriculum to avoid a skill gap in the U.S. workforce. Today, marketers are trained in multimedia, basic UX, analytics, SEO, and content management to cover all the marketing needs of most companies.
Additionally, traditional marketing degrees are now being offered online remotely, to make learning more accessible to students who prefer to learn from home. Those with an online marketing degree are just as able to blend strategy with advanced technology as those who took a regular degree. Whether you hire those with online or on-campus degrees their knowledge of the digital landscape, paired with their expertise on business development, will ensure that you have all your bases covered. Plus, hiring a marketing expert is more efficient than studying the complicated marketing principles yourself, giving you more time to grow other aspects of your business.
Immerse in the local community
Interacting with your local community can be effective in driving geography-based engagement for your business. There are many ways to do this, like sponsoring community events, partnering with the local government, or even just setting up a booth at the farmer’s market. Nurturing your connection with your local community will help get the word out about your business. If done right, you can eventually establish yourself as a trusted service provider in your area.
Aspiring entrepreneurs may feel pressured when coming up with a unique marketing strategy, especially in such a saturated market. But it doesn’t have to be a difficult task with the right tools and knowledge on hand.
Exclusively written for denisemdudley.com by Carley Gilbert