When it comes to starting a small business it's always an exciting challenge. Getting your feet off the ground and establishing yourself and your business is no easy task, but the great news is it's never been easier than it is right now . In order to get some attention in the business world you need to think differently and find a way to set your business apart from the rest of the pack. There are some simple things you can do to achieve this, and we're going to take a look at some ideas that will help find you and recognise you for what you and your new company does.
1. Know Your Audience
First and foremost you have to know who your audience is. You don't want to be talking about car parts to someone that's looking for gardening help. Identify your audience. What are they looking for? What do they need? What other things besides what you're offering are they interested in? Build your avatars using in-depth research and talk to them and their needs.
So often when starting out this crucial part of the process gets overlooked by the desire to ‘get some business' by talking to everyone you are talking to no one so get this bit right and all of your marketing will be so much easier and give you the results you are looking for.
2. Build a Presence in Your Community
So much emphasis has been put on internet marketing recently that businesses often forget to follow through with conventional marketing. A great way to set yourself apart from the rest is to get involved in your community. support a local charity. Dedicate some time to promoting your business at a local event. Small businesses need a dedicated local following and the best way to build that up is to get involved with your community.
In my transport business we were really well known online, we had a massive digital footprint bigger than the household names however locally people didn't know who we were, Our decision to go networking locally and get involved in business shows escalated our business not only in recognition but in referals and business from local companies
3. Build a Presence on Social Media
The online presence of your business will always be hugely important when it comes to building your small business. Be interactive. Get people involved. Find out where your avatars are hanging out, that means look at Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Google Plus and any other social network you can think of. It will serve you well to set up profiles and company pages on as many social networking sites as possible and focus your attention on those that have your particular audience… btw it won't be them all nor will it be the same as your mates who has a totally different business to you. Measure and test and scale up or down your activity on these as is necessary.
4. Create a Unique Website
Social media presence is a must but a lot of businesses sacrifice a presence on their own website in order to keep up with their social networks. Don't be that person. Your website is and should always be the number 1 place you focus your attention online, why? because its the ONLY thing you have complete control over online and it's the only thing you will ever own . The power of a well-built and maintained website/blog is astronomical and s often vastly underrated  Create or hire someone to create a website that is unique and interactive. Social media is a great way to get people involved but your website should be a direct portal to your business.
I hear all the time ‘well i have a facebook business page that does well for me' here's a question what if FB decides to throw you off for no reason, what if FB goes bust and shuts the site down with no warning? what if FB changes the rules and suddenly charges you for a FB business page? all of this is out of your control. By all means, use the social media platforms to your advantage but don't build your marketing in it's entirety on just one platform that's like giving the keys to your business to someone you have never met complete insanity. Create or hire someone to create a website that is unique and interactive. Social media is a great way to get people involved but your website should be a direct portal to your business.
If you don't have a website or blog then Create or hire someone to build one which is unique and interactive. Social media is a great way to get people involved but your website should be a direct portal to your business.
5. Write a Press Release
A press release is something so simple that could help you see big results. Putting out a press release about your newest product or service and distributing it to local newspapers and other forms of media can build hype and get you attention. This is your chance to talk up your business and get some eyes on what you're doing.
These local outlets are crying out for content, positive things to shout about so remember you are more than welcome to approach them with news of your latest business award or your latest launch product, maybe you've just moved into a new office or hired your first member of staff the list goes on so take the opportunity to get the word out there.
6. Use Video
Video is a hot thing at the moment, the social media channels love it , the search engines adores it and places like youtube are built for it. Video has two options a pre-recorded video or a live stream video both are incredibly powerful in connecting with your audience.
Mobile phones now can produce stunning results with video these are more than adequate to give you a professional image whilst keeping your costs as a small business right down. All that will hold you back is your imagination.
Remember
When it comes to marketing your business and to stand out online , the sky is the limit. Don't make the same mistakes that others do. Make sure you distinguish your business by covering all aspects of marketing – both conventional and unconventional. Give these a try and don't be afraid to experiment.
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