The Basics of Marketing

The way we market our business has changed drastically in the past few years. Social Media Marketing has become paramount in boosting brand loyalty. But not all businesses need massive communities built around their products to start out. Sometimes the old fashioned way of marketing your business is the perfect solution. Here are a few ways to get going:

1. Don’t leave home without it. Your business card, that is. Give it to everyone possible. Make sure as many people as possible know what you do and what your product or service is. Don’t forget your family and friends. Ask them for referrals of their family and friends. Get your name out there.

2. Know who your market is and make sure they are aware of your business. This could be done by way of a press release, a personal visit, a postcard or letter, or an email or phone call. It might even require all of these things. The object is to let as many people as possible know what is going on. First impressions speak volumes so make sure your contacts are professional. And don’t forget to follow up within a week of your first contact. Don’t let anyone forget you before they even know you.

3. A website is mandatory these days. There are many free or very reasonable sites where you can obtain a domain name and the use of templates to create a very professional looking website. GoDaddy, Homestead, Weebly, WordPress and Microsoft Live are a few to get you started. Make sure your website content is exciting and draws in your perspective clients. Make it interesting enough that they want to stick around and read what you have to say.

4. Put your writing skills to use on a blog. Blogging is an excellent way to let your clients know what is happening with your business, what new techniques you are using or what new skills you have acquired. Don’t get too personal. Keep it all business, but let your personality show through.

5. Join a social networking site such as Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. This is a great medium to meet others in your own business arena or to connect with new clients.

6. Make sure everything is linked together. Have a link on your website to your blog or other social networking site so perspective clients can go from one to the other in order to gain all the information they need about your business.

By starting with some of the suggestions outlined above your business will be well on its way to success. Remember to keep it professional. First impressions make a difference.

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