How do I market my new business?
Starting a business is hard work. There are so many menial tasks that we know we need to do but it can be discouraging not know where to start. Marketing your business is the most important task you can do because it leads to more bookings and sales which ultimately drive revenues and profits. Here are the most effective marketing materials for new businesses trying to establish a share of the market!
Headshot Sessions
Let's start with one word, BRANDING. Branding is about connecting to your clients and customers in a visual way to fill your social media and website content. Now when I say social media, I know some of you immediately thought, "Well, I can just continue taking selfies with my iPhone and I'll be fine, right?" Unfortunately not. Though technology has advanced the camera phone way farther than my 2 megapixel Samsung flip phone from 2002, there's no replacing the expertise and polished look you get from working with a headshot professional. A headshot session is usually where my journey with entrepreneurs begin. After we create awesome images that show your clients that your serious about your business and that you're open for business, I use those photos to create other unique marketing materials to help get your face in front of prospective clients.
Business Cards
Wait... Are business cards still relevant? Undoubtedly, yes! Although there are now countless digital alternatives to displaying your brand, business cards still hold a purpose in your marketing matrix. Firstly, your business card design should be an extension of you. From the font, to the color scheme, to the choice of paper stock... all the details about your card should show prospective clients a brief yet intentional glimpse into your personal brand. Business cards should always include the name of your business, your name, your preferred method of contact (phone number and/or email address) and where they can find out more about your business (social media handles and/or website address). A great thing to think about adding as well is a QR code that links back to your website or even your Instagram or Facebook page if you are trying to build your accounts with new followers.
Website
Let's face it. We google everything now. Gone are the times of encyclopedias, Yellow Pages and classified ads in your local newspaper. If you want your clients to be able to find you and learn more about your products and services, you will eventually need a website. Your website is your online presence, regardless of what you sell and who you are trying to sell to. They have a massive impact on your company's success. Here are the top reasons:
It establishes your credibility and legitimacy as someone who is trustworthy. Having a website is an opportunity to make a great first impression and give people comfort that you're a real business.
It's one of the best things to showcase your brand. Remember to effectiveness of using the right fonts and color schemes on your business card? Having a website that is consistent with your overall brand lends even more creditability to your business. By clearly establishing who you are, what you represent and what you stand for, you increase the chances of your customers buying from you.
All businesses eventually die without a steady flow of new leads. Having an easy way for new customers to connect with your brand, find answers to their questions and contact you gives you the constant opportunity to increase your sales.
Social Media
I'll be honest. I'm not really big on social media personally. I try not to spend a lot of time mindlessly scrolling the billions of images that Instagram has to offer. However, if I had not created a social media strategy for my business, I would have missed out on a fast, inexpensive and highly effective way to reach not only prospective customers but also keep my current and past customers updated with what my business is doing. While your website will create credibility for your brand, using social media competently will humanize it. No other medium allows us to create real human connections and showcase how existing customers are using and benefiting from your products and services. Providing high level insight into your industry or the way you provide or craft your product or service instantly peaks customer interest in your business.
Final Thoughts
In no way is this an exhaustive list of all the ways you can market your business. There are banners, billboards, flyers, postcards, gift cards, promotional videos... the list goes on and on. All of these can be effective varying with the industry in which your business participates. However, these four are a great way to start!
If you're ready to take your marketing to the next level, contact me today so we can talk about what packages make sense for you.