We’ve noticed that some people – especially small business owners – have a few objections to getting started marketing their businesses. First, some think of marketing as a dirty word. It has become too closely associated with sleazy tactics, so people worry about selling their souls for a sale.
We think about it a little differently.
What are your intentions for your business? You probably want to help people grow beyond their problems to live a happier, more successful life. Marketing is just a means of communicating the unique value you offer. That way, the people who can benefit from your expertise know where they can find help.
Nothing sleazy about that at all!
The second objection is that it’s too expensive. To that we say, if you’re doing it right, you should be getting a lot more out of it than you put in! To make sure this is true, start tracking the numbers!
How many clients are you reaching now? After you invest a little in reaching out, how many clients are you reaching? What’s your return on investment? If it’s less than you expect, evaluate what you’re doing and make some changes. It’s a process, but if you’re diligent about tracking your progress, it’s not a process you’ll lose money on.
The last objection is that they just don’t know where to start. Fair enough!
Here’s where you start:
Write down who you intend to reach with your marketing messages. This will be the decision maker; recognize that this won’t necessarily be the same person who will become your client. For example, if you work with kids, you’re going to have to impress their parents first. Who makes the decisions to hire you?
Next, research the competition. Who are they? What do they offer? What makes you different? What makes you better? What can you offer that they can’t or aren’t?
Do you have the most convenient location? Some impressive schooling? Amazing experience? A better atmosphere?
Ask yourself these questions, and determine your unique positioning. Never market yourself on things others in your field are doing as well or better than you, you want to emphasize your own strengths!
Once you know the message and the audience you want to communicate it to, start looking for right places to find those people and give them your message. As a rule, creating your own website and getting on social media will be the first platforms to tackle. After that, you can branch out into your community spaces. Do your research, where do you need to be?
If you need some support working through your ideas or executing your marketing plan, 3 Pie Squared can help! We offer marketing consultation to help you grow your business in the way that is right for you.
If you’re interested, we’re happy to provide a quote!
Not sure about us yet? Check out what our customers have to say!
