Making the most of Marketing

Making the most of Marketing

By Sig Nordal, Jr. 

Both small and large organisations have worked out various strategies to market their products which are useful to bear in mind if you are starting out in business. The key is to get as many pertinent people as possible to know who you are and what you are offering. For example, if your business was computer based management training then creating a database of people with the role of 'marketing manager' or 'personnel manager' (whom you can find in various business lists) would be a more prudent target than writing to the Director of a company.

If you are a small business just starting out then there are some very simple ways to get yourself known. Make sure you attend local events and become a member of groups that interest you. You can never tell when an opportunity could present itself so arm yourself with business cards – not only does it look more professional but it removes the inevitable delay of scampering about trying to borrow a pen and paper.

Depending upon your business, take the time to 'cold call' places that would give you the opportunity to offer information of your knowledge and services as an open day. Such places DO exist! Church Halls, schools and libraries are often very welcoming to various events. Remember, schools have more than just children and young adults present. There are their teachers too. What the people there learn is what you have to offer and, if you take time to prepare your presentation, then it will filter through a wide cross-section of people. Make sure that any leaflets you have printed include all the different ways you can be contacted such as your email and website – make yourself easy to access!

If you have an office or an event organised make sure all the waiting time is productive time for your potential clients. Ensure appropriate literature is there to read, various posters, take-away leaflets and, if money allows, a screen showing what your business is offering (a time-set Power Point is a simple yet eye-catching visual marketing tool that you could easily compile yourself). Invest in such things as pens, mugs, notepads and keyrings displaying your business logo or name  - the more people who obtain them, the more likely others will see them and enquire about your business.

In this day and age, online marketing is a huge opportunity and blogging is a tremendous way to get your name available to thousands of people. Start your own blog and be committed to it on a daily basis. Encourage people to comment on your blog and make sure you comment on other bloggers in a similar industry as yourself. By doing so your name will become more and more recognised and will increase the chance of others looking at your own website. Ensure your website is not too 'busy' on the opening page as itt can be off-putting to many people if there is too much information. It needs to be easy to navigate so that those who go to your site can easily find the area they are most interested in. The more people you find online the more likely you are to find a variety of forums that are interested in similar areas – join them! Social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter are also being used so frequently that it is a very good idea to get your brand noticed within them and follow what is trending.

Also, use various online sites to write press releases on new products for your business. Even revamped older products are worth a mention – the power of the internet is vast. You have a world wide web of people you can market your ideas and services to. However, do not forget the face-to-face. If your business is only able to deal locally then make sure you reply promptly to emails, phone calls and meet prospective clients to maximise your potential. Whatever your business, you need to have clients to make it work for you. Do not sit on your laurels but market what you have to offer as your ideas and products are good – so make sure as many people as possible know they are!