In this busy world, it’s more important than ever to find unique ways for you and your business to stand out.
Selling yourself and your business might seem like a daunting task, but there are numerous ways to accomplish the task. Of course, having a social media presence is one of the most important things you can do, but there are also so many people using the various sites, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle.
There are options outside of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram that could help you and your business get discovered and, in turn, sell your products. While no marketing plan is ever 100 percent guaranteed, here are a few unique ways to get your name into the world to potentially sell your goods and find new customers.
1. Start Local
It’s good to have dreams of dominating the world market, but before you reach that wide-open space, start within your community. Find ways to get in your local paper, whether through press releases, the events page or advertising. Talk to the paper’s ad rep to see what types of deals you can get for advertising — within your budget — to stay in the public’s eye.
What kinds of events does your community have? Are there local fundraisers that are looking for sponsors or door prizes? Find out how to get involved with these functions and get your products and your name in front of a potential set of customers.
Join your local Chamber of Commerce or business alliance. Are there any professional organizations in your town? Find out, then get involved! One of the best ways to become known in the community is to be actively involved with the people and the commerce that make the town run.
2. Attend Conferences
One of the best ways to meet people who share the same passions as you is to attend conferences — this can also be incredibly energizing and inspiring. Conferences allow you to network with other business owners and opens the door to be found by new customers. If possible, find a way to participate in the conference as a panelist or presenter instead of just attending. This will put you and your product in the limelight for the world to see.
3. Give Presentations and/or Speeches
If you have your own business, you probably have a skill set or expertise that gives you a unique perspective on your product. Share that with others. Find out if there is a humanities council in your state looking for speakers, or contact local libraries and other nonprofit organizations about talking to their members.
4. Develop Something New
As a business owner, you no doubt know exactly what is happening in your industry, so you know if you have something new and unique to offer the world. Even if you don’t at this point, keep working until you find the one thing no one else has done. Then, go out and share it with the world by contacting news sites sharing your story on sites like Manta to get your small business found.
5. Give Away Freebies
One of the best ways to get people interested in what you have to offer is to give something away. It doesn’t necessarily have to be your product, though it certainly can be. Giveaways can be an effective way to get people through the door of a physical store or to visit your website.
Consider giving away useful things with your logo on it: notebooks, pens, calendars, magnets, stress balls, etc. This will keep you foremost in their minds. Whatever you give away, know that consumers recognize your goodwill and may reward you with more business.
6. Hand Out Business Cards
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but don’t just limit yourself to handing out cards at business functions. Some local businesses have drawings for other businesses to win free lunches or other services, so make sure to put your business cards in for a chance to win. What about leaving your information in hotel lobbies or restaurants? Leave your cards in places where people who might need them will find them, and hand them out whenever you get the chance.
7. Send Out Mailers
Whether a brochure, postcard or coupon, sending your information to consumers through the mail gives you the chance to get in front of potential new customers. The world is so inundated with emails and electronic messages, why not take the time to create a mailer that will stand out and get noticed? There are numerous ways to keep the project within budget, including using online printing and mailing services. There are benefits to sending out mailers, so use them to your advantage.
8. Develop a Street Team
One of the best ways to get new business is through referrals. Find your best and most loyal customers, and have them work for you by recommending you and your business to others. In return for their hard work and dedication, give them special discounts on products or the first chance to see and purchase new merchandise.
9. Cross-Promote with Another Business
Cross-promoting with another local business is a good way to reach your customers, their customers and potential new customers. Host an event that benefits both of you and highlights the products you have to offer.
10. Offer Great Customer Service
Customers can be incredibly difficult people to deal with, especially when they expect instant gratification and to be treated like they are always right — even when they aren’t. It can be frustrating to deal with these people, but remember that without them, you don’t have a business. Treat everyone with kindness and a smile, especially when they are driving you crazy.
You never know what kind of day your customer might be having, but by keeping a smile on your face and doing what you can to make them happy, you might turn their situation around and find a customer for life. The better service you give, the more likely you are to have repeat business.
The world keeps growing and expanding, which makes it harder for businesses to be found and to find new customers. Having a presence on the Internet helps, but don’t limit yourself to strictly being online. There are so many unique ways to get your name out there! Try something new and see how it works for you.
Personal Story and Experience
When I first started my handmade jewelry business, I struggled to get my name out there and attract customers. I had a small online presence, but sales were slow, and I knew I needed to do more to promote my business. I decided to start locally by participating in craft fairs and markets in my community.
At my first event, I made sure to create an eye-catching display and engage with potential customers. I offered a small freebie with each purchase, which helped to generate buzz and encourage people to visit my booth. I also collected email addresses for a newsletter and followed up with customers after the event to thank them for their support.
As I continued participating in local events, I started building a loyal customer base and gaining recognition within my community. I collaborated with other local makers to cross-promote our businesses and even partnered with a local boutique to sell my jewelry in their store.
In addition to my local efforts, I also focused on growing my online presence. I invested time in improving my website’s SEO, creating valuable content for my blog, and engaging with my followers on social media. I reached out to influencers in the handmade and fashion niches, offering to send them pieces of my jewelry in exchange for a review or feature.
Over time, these efforts began to pay off. My online sales increased, and I started to receive wholesale inquiries from boutiques across the country. I continued to experiment with different marketing strategies, always staying true to my brand and values.
Looking back, I realize that getting my name out there required creativity, persistence, and a willingness to try new things. It’s an ongoing process, but by staying committed to promoting my business and connecting with my target audience, I’ve been able to grow and succeed as a small business owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much should I budget for marketing and promoting my business?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a general rule of thumb is to allocate 7-8% of your gross revenue to marketing. However, this percentage may vary depending on your industry, business size, and growth stage. New businesses or those in highly competitive markets may need to invest more in marketing to establish their presence and attract customers.
2. How do I measure the success of my marketing efforts?
To gauge the effectiveness of your marketing strategies, set clear, measurable goals and track relevant metrics. These may include website traffic, lead generation, conversion rates, social media engagement, and customer acquisition costs. Regularly review and analyze these metrics to identify what’s working and what needs improvement, and adjust your strategies accordingly.
3. How long does it take to see results from marketing initiatives?
The timeline for seeing results from your marketing efforts varies depending on the strategies employed and your industry. Some tactics, such as paid advertising, can yield immediate results, while others, like content marketing and SEO, may take several months to show significant impact. Consistency and patience are key when implementing any marketing plan.
4. How do I identify my target audience?
To identify your target audience, consider factors such as age, gender, income, location, interests, and pain points. Analyze your current customer base to identify common characteristics and create buyer personas that represent your ideal customers. Conduct market research, surveys, and focus groups to gather insights into your target audience’s preferences, behaviors, and needs.
5. How can I create a strong brand identity?
Developing a strong brand identity involves defining your unique value proposition, mission, and visual elements such as your logo, color palette, and typography. Ensure that your branding is consistent across all touchpoints, including your website, social media, packaging, and customer communications. Regularly engage with your audience and deliver on your brand promise to build trust and loyalty.
