Henry Ford once said “the man who stops advertising to save money is like the man that stops the clock to save time”.
Marketing gets a bad rap during economic downturns. The current situation is no different. With huge percentages of the population either working from home having been furloughed, you have to be smarter with how you promote your products to your audience.
Keeping your business at the forefront of your customers’ mind is harder than ever, so I’ve put together this quick guide for marketing your small business online.
1. Claim your Google My Business Page
Your Google profile will be a huge help in increasing awareness of your business.
Not only is it free to use but you can quickly let your customers know changes to your opening times, special promotions, directions to your store and you can use Google Posts to keep your profile up-to-date.
Read more on optimising your Google My Business Profile
2. Get on Social Media
Facebook. Instagram. TikTok. LinkedIn.
They can be both your best of friends and your worst of enemies when looking to market your business online.
They do however have the benefit of showing up in Google searches and in the case of Facebook can sync reviews with Google My Business, helping your business show up higher in the rankings.
Reach your customer when they are scrolling through their timelines with these easy tips for marketing online.
3. Create Content
Great content can set you apart from the competition
No one else shares your background or your story. Not even siblings that grew up in the same house.
Your individual perspective and personality is what makes your business different from your competitors. So showcase it across your social media and let it become one with your business.
Content marketing is a commitment, not a campaign.
Jon Buscall
Content is King is a saying you might hear often, knowing how long content lasts on each social media site will help you stay one step ahead.
4. Consider Google Ads
If these are set up right for your business goals they can drive huge numbers of leads/sales to your business in a shorter period of time than with organic marketing.
However, depending on what your business offers this can be an expensive route with Google Ads operating on a pay-per-click model where you bid against others to be shown for a keyword.
A great option if you have advertising budget available, for small businesses staying on budget is crucial get the free calculator here.
5. Make a website
A website can work wonders for your business.
If you are a retailer then you are able to make sales even when you are sleeping.
It doesn’t have to be amazing, to begin with. Simplicity and meeting its aim are better than spending weeks perfecting the site when you could be making sales.
These quick and easy to follow tips will help you to stay in contact with your customers whatever the situation.
Get the free downloadable DIY guide to creating your website now.
So what are you doing at this time to make a difference?
