It’s tough for small businesses today, but there’re many things you can do to up your game.
1. Boost your personal brand
You and your staff are marketing gold!
The personal service, chat and unique offerings. It’s what entices people in.
Talk about all that makes you unique and how you offer a quality service.
- What’s your story? Talk about your background and skills, and why you got into business
- Go behind the scenes on social media – show training days, where you go to source your products, how you prepare orders etc. People love these little insights!
- Use what you and your staff are good at. If you have the gift of the gab or you’re funny in your personal Facebook then move over to using it for your business
- Ask your customers what they like about you. You may not realise what you need to be promoting
2. Update your visual brand
A fresh and updated look will attract attention.
It will help you compete, and entice people to look at what you offer.
Combine it with a new product or website launch to make a big impact.
- Work with a graphic designer to create a unique visual brand for you
- Create some attractive templates for social media posts
- Update an old logo to one that will stand-out online
- Update old profile photos and images to ones that give an insight into what you offer
- Refresh your other marketing and surroundings. Do a before and after post for social media
3. Use your existing customers to attract new ones
Refer a Friend Discount
A timeless way of finding new customers and clients. Offer a welcome discount to both parties.
Ask for reviews
Reviews will help you win trust from key customers.
Make it easy by adding links to review sites (Google or Trip Advisor etc.) in your Thank You email or on the printed receipt.
Use them in your marketing and post them on social media.
A “tag your friends campaign”on Instagram or Facebook
“Win a luxury vegan sandwich and drink! Just like our page @yourbusiness and tag your vegan friends
Comments, likes and shares from competitions will help get your post seen to more people.
4. Reward loyal customers
A no-brainer.
Keep customers coming back for more.
- Try loyalty cards, or discounts for repeat custom
- A free gift when you sign up to a season ticket or book in advance
- An extra little something at Christmas or other holidays
- Monthly competitions for free stuff
- An email or voucher to say thank you for your continued custom
5. Find new customers on social media
It’s worth trying to master one social media platform.
Even though the algorithm is, shall we say frustrating…
Facebook and Instagram are good options for small businesses. Tik Tok if going live is your thing.
You can reach all types of people. All ages and audiences.
To help you keep up, follow a few influential accounts and good professionals who will give you advice on how to up your game on social media.
For example I follow @mahacopyco on Instagram for effective copywriting and social media tips.
A few tips:
- Follow and interact with other small businesses in your community
- Use a mixture of posts – general brand building and direct promotions
- Use apps like Canva and Lightroom to help you quickly edit photos and create templates
- Experiment with Instagram Stories and Reels. These stand-out
- Include keywords related to your business in the caption (not just a bunch of hashtags, that doesn’t work any more)
Instagram decides what posts are prioritised to others. It favours reels, and posts with good captions, comments and likes.
It also looks at how long people spend on a post.
So write good captions, include clear call to actions, respond to comments and post at peak times.
I hope you found this blog helpful.
If you would like help with your marketing campaigns please do get in touch!
Vanessa