Assuming you are marketing to online or online and offline, where do you start first?
1. The marketing plan!
It doesn't have to be 500 pages of crafted marketing blurb, so somewhere between beer mat and word doc will do. But before you start wasting any time (time is money) - you need to plan.
What are your aims and objectives? You might be selling garden gnomes or high-end machinery. Regardless of your product or service, you need a targeted audience which will generate interest, leads and hopefully customers. How will you do it? Flyers, Newspapers, PPC, Social Media, other?
What is your budget, and how will you spend it? Marketing a business normally requires some sort of budget. Remember spending 12 hours a day using online free resources still has a cost - you!
2. Advertising - Directories
Have you worked out where to advertise your business? There are plenty of free resources. Business Directories tend to be emotive, but if you are reading this, then you have found ours! Freeindex, UK Small Business Directory, Cylex, Scoot, ThomsonLocal, Wampit and Yell are other popular ones that offer free options. Be prepared for up sell phone calls with some.
The one you cannot do without is a Google Local Listing. There have been a lot of changes over the last couple of years to Google Places/Maps/Local Listings. If you are confused by some of the terminology or have multiple listings, then this post may be useful: Creating a Google Places for Business page and getting reviews.
3. Advertising - Social Media
Social media tends to lend itself to certain types of businesses. Some people swear by it, others see it as a waste of time. Experiment and see for yourself.
If you are used to using Facebook socially, then consider separating your private and business life and creating a business profile. Regardless, make sure you create a business page to actually market your business, as opposed to using a profile page. This catches a lot of people out and you can learn more here: Common Facebook Marketing Mistakes - and how to avoid them
Look to set up a Twitter account and consider a Google Plus account if you haven't set up a Google local listing.
Business Forums such as this fall into Social Media, so use business communities to become an authority in your field. You will find these kind of outlets are best used as soft sells, with you building up a reputation, rather joining a community and spamming everyone with self promotion.
4. Advertising - SEO
SEO - Search Engine Optimisation. Probably one of the most detested phrases by established businesses and one to be fully aware of if you are new! Everyone will promise you the earth, Google Page 1 rankings for your chosen products or services.
If you are unfamiliar with SEO, then have a look through this SEO 101 guide for newbies. The basic fundamentals of SEO haven't really changed in 10 years. Techniques come and go, normally when they are abused. In short, concentrate on good content, and promote it. If you do decide to outsource your SEO, make sure you are 100% happy with what is being done, how, and you have genuine expectations.
Taking short cuts or using some "sounds too good to be true" company will just end up with expensive problems or worse further down the road.
5. Advertising - Offline
Every bit as important as online, and for some businesses more so. Don't write offline techniques off, as things like leaflet drops, flyers etc can be very cost effective.
If you have any offline marketing questions, be sure to fire away as we have some great members who specialise in offline marketing.
6. PR - Customer Services and Reputation
Every time you answer the phone you are marketing. Your reputation and public persona across social media and forums can shape peoples opinions about you and your business.
If you're not familiar with PR or think it is only associated with press releases, then this post maybe useful. PR advice for Small Business
7. Finally - Look through some of our marketing topics, compiled into one post
Hopefully you may have found some of this useful, but if you have any questions, issues or looking for advice, then simply post a new thread.
