Boost Your Small Business with These Simple Marketing Tips

Do you have an amazing product/service? Do you want to generate more sales, draw in new customers and encourage past customers to return?

Of course you do! That’s why you need a solid marketing plan!

Marketing plans don’t have to be long, time-consuming or difficult to produce. They should be simple and effective. You can even find free tools online to help create your small business marketing plan.
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Whilst building your plan, remember these simple marketing tips to help give your small business a boost this year and get you moving in the right direction.

1. Create a website & keep it updated – An up-to-date website is essential for any business operating in the 21st Century. From small high street shops, and book-keepers to music teachers, and business coaches; a website is a critical element in your marketing strategy and to your success. Like your marketing plan, a website doesn’t need to be complex or expensive. A website can be simple and minimalistic so long as it effectively conveys what you offer, and with the wide variety of D.I.Y website builders such as WordPress, Weebly and Wix, it’s easy for anyone to have their own website. If you already have a website, when was the last time it was updated? Keep your reviews/testimonials, products/services, images and contact information up-to-date and accurate.
2. Get started on social media – Social media can seem overwhelming at first with how many platforms there are to choose from and more so when it comes to what you should post, but it doesn’t need to be. Start by choosing one or two platforms that you’re comfortable with. Update your profiles and start posting. When it comes to content, it’s all about consistence. Posting just once per day, is a great place to start, but remember to tailor your posts your intended audience (your ideal client/customer) and to the platform you’re using i.e. Instagram and Pinterest are for visual content whereas LinkedIn works better with long-form text posts.
3. Network – If you’re not a fan of face-to-face networking, or you simply don’t have the time, it’s easy to get started online. If you’re a fan of Facebook, join Facebook groups that are specific to your business/ideal client. Interact with other posts via likes and comments and don’t be afraid to post advice, tips or questions. LinkedIn is the networking social media platform. It’s easier to use than it might seem at first and if used correctly and consistently, it’s a great place to generate leads. Start by working on your profile and headline before posting content and engaging with others. You can find amazing free guidance and advice to help get you started with LinkedIn here in this LinkedIn Facebook group.  
4. Catch up with existing clients – Whether you run a product or a services business, it’s always a good idea to keep your existing clients up to date on anything new. Sending a regular newsletter can help to keep customers abreast of new services/products that you have available, whilst also being a source of helpful advice, tips or news. If you’re a service provider such as a freelancer, you could try directly contacting your past or existing clients to recommend a service, catch-up or simply to ask if there’s anything they need help with. Sometimes, they just need a little push in the right direction; just remember to keep your contact professional and not too regular. If clients feel you’re being ‘spammy’ they might block you!
5. Start a blog ­– If you’ve already started one, how regularly is it being updated? Writing a blog is a great way to share your expertise. You don’t even need to blog on your website, LinkedIn Pulse articles are a great way to share your knowledge whilst building your network. It doesn’t even have to be a blog, how about sharing video content on LinkedIn or Facebook Live? Videos are easy to make and allow you the freedom of going with the flow and just talking about your chosen topic/subject. Video content has the added benefit of being highly engaging! Keeping a regularly updated blog can help to create a following of interested readers for your business. You can also use video and blog content to help populate newsletters.

What are you waiting for? Implement these marketing tips today and take your small business to new heights in 2018.