Do you want to grow your business — and know marketing is essential — but have no idea where to start? You’re not alone.
I meet with business owners like you regularly, and everyone wants to know about the latest website design trends or Facebook algorithm or SEO hacks.
But there’s something way more important than any of this — and that’s getting the basics right.
I recently met with a restaurant owner who didn’t understand why his lunchtime trade was so slow. I looked him up online and, according to both his website and Google listing, the restaurant was closed for lunch. Luckily, this is an easy fix but it left me wondering how something this basic had gone below their radar.
Keeping your information up-to-date is vital. This is especially true for opening hours and contact details — how will people get in touch otherwise? How will customers know you’re open? Especially when so many people are using their mobile phone to get directions and make calls to businesses – information needs to be to hand, and accurate.
Here are five more marketing basics to prioritise right now:
1. Mobile-Friendly Website
How does your website look when you browse it on your mobile? With 71% of Australian smartphone users browsing the Internet on their phones daily, this is so important.
Not compatible with mobile? Website visitors are unlikely to stick around — which means you’re losing potential customers.
2. Basic SEO
Search Engine Optimisation sometimes seems like another buzzword, but it is important.
The good news is, the basics are straightforward to implement. Make sure your website is set up correctly and contains engaging and unique content. High-quality content that recognises and helps solve the problems of your target market is key.
If you can find time to blog (like I’m doing now), that’s a bonus!
3. Google My Business
Google My Business is a service offered by Google to help you engage potential customers.
The best part is it’s free (at the moment), so make sure you claim and make the most out of your listing — start by adding your correct opening hours!
4. Know Your Customers
Any good marketing strategy starts with an understanding of the target customers. This will impact everything else you do, so it’s worth spending some time getting it right.
Write it down, print it out and stick it on your wall. Make sure everything you do is focused on them – don’t get distracted.
5. Start an Email List
An email list is one of the most valuable marketing assets any business can have.
Use it to stay in touch with your customers, focusing on providing value over the hard sell. Remember — people don’t like to be sold to, so you need to think about the kind of content and messages your target market want to read.
Are you struggling to find time to do it all yourself? Get in touch to find out how we can help.
