In a world full of online retailers, mom-and-pop shops, large corporations, and Amazon, you may be wondering how to get your company noticed. Large or small, competition is tough nowadays and standing out amongst the crowd full of businesses like yours is hard work. However, it’s not impossible. What most business owners don’t know is that there are easy ways you can grow your brand without spending all of your money or working long hours.
If you’re looking to take your company to the next level, follow our four tips below.
1. Use Social Media
Social media can be your saving grace if you’re struggling to get your company noticed. Now more than ever, people are connecting with each other online, and you probably are too! So why not get your business involved? Whether you own a restaurant or a small boutique, you can use social media to connect with customers, update them on events, and offer deals that will bring them to your front doors. And, with a social media management tool, you’ll be able to schedule posts and content without having to set aside a bulk of your time.
If your business isn’t on the social scene yet, it’s time to take the plunge. Here are the most popular social media platforms you should use and why:
- Facebook: Facebook was one of the first major social media platforms to bring people together. With a Facebook business profile, your customers can leave reviews and ask you questions, which will help generate more leads. Additionally, a Facebook profile can increase your website traffic if you link your business’s webpage, and can help boost brand loyalty.
- Instagram: Although Facebook owns it, Instagram is completely different. Instagram is a social media platform that centers around pictures and videos alone. While you can post a caption that’s a few paragraphs long, it’s better to keep that on Facebook. With Instagram, you can target a variety of audiences and can create fun and exciting giveaways that will spread word about your brand. For even better results with your marketing on Instagram, try to get Instagram likes on your photos. Not only does this get you on the Explore feed, but it will also allow you to easily stand out from your competitors.
- Twitter: Twitter is where people go to stay connected and let their thoughts run freely from their mind in 140 characters or less. This is a perfect opportunity for your business to engage with your audience in a conversational tone that customers appreciate. This is a great place to show your brand’s personality and even engage with viral memes and tweets that have been sweeping the Internet for years.
2. Attend Networking Events
If you want to be the best, you have to learn from the best. This means attending marketing and networking events is a must. Here, you’ll be able to meet people in your industry and learn a thing or two. From their failures to triumphs, getting insight into your competition and how they run their business can help you make improvements to your business. Offline marketing solutions like attending networking events is an excellent way for you to build partnerships and make more connections.
Trade shows are also a great place where you can interact with customers as well. Here, you can hand out promotional products with your brand’s logo that will help get your company noticed. How often do you see people using a smartphone? Probably every second of the day! Use this to your advantage by handing out freebies such as branded phone cases or PopSockets. While the upfront cost may seem like a lot, tactics like these will generate more foot traffic and brand awareness before you know it.
3. Create a Loyalty Program
Customers want to feel appreciated. To show them how much you love and care about them, create a loyalty program they can enroll in that will give them exclusive discounts and rewards. For example, if you own a running store, give your customers $15 off their next purchase for every $150 spent. In the grand scheme of things, giving away $15 to keep a customer coming back for more will pay off in the long run.
4. Invest in Ads
As you cruise down the highway or down city streets, you probably notice billboards and signs promoting a company. While you may not take action and visit that store or restaurant, their image will leave a lasting impression in your head, especially if you drive past it regularly. The same goes for online ads. Facebook ads allow you to post ads on your competitor’s pages, as well as magazine and celebrity pages. To use Facebook ads, all you have to do is choose a daily or lifetime budget, and you’ll pay a cost per click bid or a cost per 1000 impressions bid.
Make Your Company Seen
With these four tips at your disposal, you’ll have your company seen in no time. From handing out promotional items neatly packaged to targeting customers through ads, you’ll see an influx of traffic both online and in-store. So, what’s the wait? Open your customer’s eyes today with these creative strategies!
