1// Really understand your why and don't just do what everyone else is doing

Understand why you're doing what you're doing and how that connects to the world, and how you're solving a problem that the world needs solving that people are prepared to pay for.  There are a lot of problems that need solving that people aren't prepared to pay for.

2//Understand who your customer is

Really understanding who you're speaking to and what motivates them is critical.  You need to understand their problem so that you can create an emotional connection with them in order to get them to respond.  You want it to be based on nice things like love and support rather than scare tactics that make people feel uneasy and negative.

3// Know where they are hanging out

What habits do they have, where they get their media from.  Not every person is on Facebook and some people don't like email.  You need to understand your customers and connect with them. I've mentioned it before but using the Ideal Client Interview guide really helped me know my customers better.  The best way to do that is to actually speak with your customers and ensure you know them well enough to create a strategy that meets them in the places they like to hang out.

4// It takes time to buy

Your ideal customers may not buy the first time round.  You need to be in more than one place and putting out different messages that all target your ideal clients.  Remember that social media channels control what people see, so ensure that you have multiple and more rounded marketing strategy instead of just a single point of contact.  Have at least 4 points of contact with your target audience.  Have your branding sorted so that when people see a message they know it's from you and they recognise your work.  Ensure your website is the way you want it to be.  When people hear about you, it may be the first thing that they go and look at.

5// Networking

Get out there and network and meet new people in order to get your name out there.  It's when you get start to connect with others and build personal relationships and they get to know you that you'll be able to build your customer base and support around you.  Not all of them will be your ideal client but they may know people who you would like to target.

6//Email marketing

Email marketing is a great conversion tool.  It also allows you to control how often they hear from you and what information they are getting from you as well.  It can take up to 8 interactions before someone buys from you so email marketing can be a great way to build the relationship.

7// Social Media

Social Media is obviously important.  There is a lot of pressure to be on everything, but if you know where your customers are then you don't need to be everywhere.  You can also choose which platforms work for you and which ones you like.  If something doesn't work for you then maybe you decide not to use it. Once again make an informed decision based on your target audience.

8// Media & PR

Media and PR can work quite well for some businesses.  If you have a product business then blogger outreach can be great or providing sampling. Guest blogging or being interviewed is also great because then you reach their audience.  You can use sites such as Sourcebottle to connect with the media.

9// Get Real

Think about how you can get your business out there.  From markets and pop up shops to expos, think about meetups or workshops where you can meet and engage with your audience and potentially get exposure to new clients.

10// Measure

Take a look at where you are spending money and what is working for you.  Allocate some money towards things like networking so that you can build your network and community.  Also look at whether Facebook Ads and targeting is right for your business so that you can ensure you're getting in front of the right people!

What has worked well for you when it comes to marketing strategies and activities?

 

Cath Connell is the founder and owner of Wholehearted Marketing – an online marketing community hub which helps demystify marketing for small business owners and provide them with the tools, training and resources to implement a successful marketing strategy for their business.  Cath has worked in and around branding and marketing for over 20 years, she has dedicated herself to helping other entrepreneurs understand branding and marketing, and implement strategies securely founded on Purpose and Connection.

Website: https://wholeheartedmarketing.com.au
Email: cath@wholeheartedmarketing.com.au
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