No matter what your product, service or pitch, there are five marketing strategies that every small business marketing plan should include. These activities focus marketing efforts on low or no-cost activities that yield the best results. Whether you need to acquire, retain or create loyal customers, try these five marketing strategies today.
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search engine optimization should be the cornerstone of nearly all small business marketing plans. A working knowledge of keywords, proper use of keywords, and writing effective copy can boost the search engine rank for your website without spending a dime on marketing. If you do have some money to spend, adding a paid keyword search marketing program to your marketing plan is ideal. The combination of natural search engine optimization and paid keyword search can put your company high in the search engine ranks. Don't forget to submit your URLs to Alexa and other submission sites to ensure the search engines know to find you. Make sure you update your website frequently. Having a blog or a blog feeding into your site creates an automatic site update feed that also harnesses the power of blogging for your company's marketing plan.
2. Expert Articles Contribute to Brand Image
While it may seem time consuming to write and post articles each week, submitting articles to various websites, including those read by webmasters seeking content, gets your name and URL out there. Both contribute to branding your company or product as a leader. Best of all, more links back into your website boost traffic to your site.
3. Include Viral Marketing Activities in Your Marketing Plan
Viral marketing spreads your message via word of mouth. While most people think of videos, widgets on Facebook or related games as viral marketing, a simple thought-provoking top ten list, properly formatted to share and related to your unique selling proposition, can also act as a powerful viral marketing campaign.
4. Social Marketing Connects You to Others
Social marketing is a must for marketing a small business on a tight budget. Setting up thoughtfully written profiles on various social network sites, posting relevant links, and sharing as well as receiving leads and networking advice provides you with a chance to spread you message. Be sure to reciprocate for others and include some social posts so you don't look like a spammer.
5. Postcard Marketing Provides Measurable Direct Mail Marketing
Postcard marketing is inexpensive and if used correctly, it provides a measurable marketing method that's hard to beat. Many companies offer free postcards or very low cost postcards, and the price of postage remains lowest for postcards. Be sure to review U.S. Postal Guidelines and tips on formatting postcards for the highest bulk rate, and include a unique tracking device. Incorporating a simple direct marketing split test can also provide valuable data for very little investment.
By devoting just one hour a day to working on these five free or low cost marketing strategies, small business owners and entrepreneurs can acquire, retain and create loyal customers. Consistency is the key to successfully using these tips.
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