When it comes to having a business, you do what you know to keep it running smoothly. Oftentimes, as a business owner, you are forced to wear many hats, whether that be in sales, marketing, or product handling. The smaller your business and staff, the harder it can be to achieve your goals and grow your business continually.

Where do you want to go?

One of the first things you need in growing your business is goals. What do you want to achieve with your company? Where do you want to be financially and what is your plan on getting there? In order to achieve these goals, you also need to understand what it will take to get you where you need to be.

Marketing can be an easy first step in building buzz and sales for your business, but one mistake that many companies can make is downplaying what they need for marketing to be successful. A website and a Google listing will simply not butter your bread.

Do you have a marketing strategy?

What will work best with your company and how you promote it is key to a DIY marketing plan. Are you focusing on word of mouth or are you investing in paid advertising? Word of mouth involves using your customers as your marketing team and through their satisfaction, can build your business. Paid marketing allows you to target specific audiences and keep your message visible to areas that normally would not see you.

What are your methods?

In building your business’s marketing there are a few areas to look into:

SEO – Search Engine Optimization uses your website, your content, and your online advertising – basically, all your online presence to gain more customers.

Email Marketing – Sending out emails to customers with discounts, updates, and/or general company knowledge can keep your current customers engaged. You can also use email marketing to find potential customers who are looking for the product your business has to offer.

Content Marketing – Content is a key deliverable that you will need for customers to understand your business and grab their attention. Whether it’s through social media, blogging, videos, or newsletters, content builds your brand and creates interest in your product.

Online vs Offline – Promoting your company and brand can happen in the online world, including SEO, paid advertising, and the like, but offline advertising can include billboards, tv and radio ads, mailers, etc. Each of these comes with different costs, so it’s important to know what you are willing to put toward each. Utilizing both is the most effective way to grow your business.

What are you willing to spend?

Creating a budget is the best way to know what you are willing to provide in each of these marketing areas. If your spend is low, then more than likely your advertising and marketing efforts will be lower. You don’t want to overshoot the moon either. Finding the right balance between profitability and spending will help you achieve your marketing goals.

Custom Marketing Solutions have been helping all types of businesses with their marketing efforts. We work to improve your assets, build your brand, grow your customer base, and find success in accordance with your budget and needs. Call us today for a free evaluation.