All businesses need some form of marketing to survive and continue growing. You might think that you already carry out successful marketing on all the most relevant channels. But how do you really know you’re not missing out on opportunities?
It’s worth considering the options available and making sure you are using every idea you can get to spread the word about your business. Some channels may be more appropriate than others, but you’ll need to consider all avenues before committing to a marketing plan.
In 2017, these are the most relevant channels for most businesses. Are you using all of them yet?
1) Basic online presence
Firstly, there are almost no businesses that shouldn’t have an online presence. The vast majority of local and national businesses do have their own websites now, but if you don’t, it really is about time you caught up. A website that represents your company doesn’t have to be complex or expensive, but it does have to be professional and relevant to your audience.
2) Social media marketing
Businesses now use social media marketing to spread the word about their brands, although this was never the intention of the channels’ creators. Places like Twitter and Facebook are a hive of activity, and customers assume they will be able to reach you via these platforms, regardless of your niche. In order to stay in touch with your potential customers and control your public image online, setting up social profiles for your brand and updating these regularly really is essential.
3) Search engine optimisation
Optimising the content of your website so that people can easily find you through organic search engines has been a vital strategy for almost two decades now. If you’re still failing to do this, despite the huge popularity of search engines like Google, you can expect a lot of your marketing efforts to be less cost-effective. The technical process behind getting higher positions on search results can be difficult, so we would recommend consulting the professionals or hiring in-house experts.
4) Video content
Video is huge online, but it can also be fantastic for larger businesses who are able to advertise on television or through other channels. Creating exciting visual advertisements in video form is key, so you need to think about ways you can deliver unique messages that your customers will find value in.
5) Offline marketing
Who says print media is dead? Depending on your niche, you might find that local printed publications are a great way to get the word out about your business to the people who matter. Alternatively you might generate local interest by paying for billboards or posters in relevant areas. These ideas are particularly great for raising awareness of exciting local businesses quickly.
