How To Market Your Business Online

15 May How To Market Your Business Online

Social media is extremely valuable in marketing your business online.  The key to marketing is to focus on your customers.  Who is your target audience?  If your business strategy is directed more toward the elderly, you wouldn’t want to use the same marketing strategy as you would for a group of teenagers. 

Once you’ve figured out who your target audience is, now is the time to focus on your strategy. 

 1. REASONS TO BELIEVE

The proof is in the pudding.  That is, consumers want to know if visiting your business would be worth their time. 88% of people read reviews on businesses, while 72% said that reading positive reviews increases their trust of the company. (source) So when you create an ad, make sure to include a reason to believe, or RTB for short. Endorsements, such as Trident Gum’s “4 out of 5 dentists recommend” is a valid RTB.  Stating facts about the product, like Sensodyne toothpaste saying “Sensodyne toothpastes contain stannous fluoride or potassium nitrate as anti-sensitivity agents that work by either creating a barrier over sensitive areas or by soothing the nerves inside your tooth”. RTB’s not only increase a customer’s trust; they also assure them that the business will follow through on their promise.

2. CREATE A LASTING FRAMEWORK 

Think of your strategy as a blueprint.  You can’t build a building without plans, just as you can’t build a marketing campaign without a framework. 

ESTABLISH YOUR CORE MARKETING GOALS. 

Do you want to make your customers laugh at your creative ads, or do you want to draw them in with a gripping tagline?  Do you want to expand your customer base?  Or are you trying to boost your social media followers?

KEEP BOTH OLD AND NEW CUSTOMERS IN THE LOOP.

Whether it’s about a new service you’re offering, highlighting a special promotion, make sure you are keeping your audience informed.  Mailing lists, social media posts, ads. It works. 

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF TIMING.

The great thing about the online space is that there are analytics to show you when your audience is online.  Utilize these tools to gain maximum exposure with your promotions.

TAKEAWAY:

Establish lasting goals, create engaging ads that align with your goals, and make sure to focus on the timing as well.

3. BRAND STORYTELLING

There is absolutely nothing as powerful as the art of storytelling.  It’s what brings people together through emotional connections and relatable circumstances.

SO WHAT DOES BRAND STORYTELLING ACTUALLY ENTAIL? 

Essentially, it’s a look into who you are as a business.  It briefly tells a story of why your business came into existence, what motivates you to work, and what you as a company value.  It makes you seem human to your customers, instead of just another business looking to make a profit. 

 HOW CAN I MAKE MY STORY HAVE AN IMPACT?

Brand storytelling should focus on your customers.  Instead of saying, “I created this company to utilize my skills in the medical field”, say something like, “I created this company to give customers the care that they deserve.” Storytelling is something we do naturally, so keeping it simple works perfectly for your brand.

4. LAUNCH YOUR STRATEGY

You’ve created a goal driven, customer focused marketing campaign.

Now all that’s left to do is implement that strategy.  Whether you’re paying to put your ad on the web or focusing on a social media campaign, get the word out!  You’ve put a lot of time and effort into this; make sure your customers know!