Building your business can feel overwhelming at times. But, with minimal investment and maximum effort, you can create a brand that reflects the gold standard. Just implement 1 tactic in each tip topic and your brand will begin to flourish. Once you are finished, do it again, and then again. Soon, your company will be a stand out in your prospects' and customers' minds. 1. Elevate Your Expertise Be seen as a leader in your field. By submitting an article to relevant publications, creating an informative newsletter, or writing about hot industry topics, you will drive home that you are truly a leader, instilling a sense of trust and respect in your prospects and customers. You might also let publications know that you are available for "expert advice" for upcoming articles. 2. Seed the Internet Using Facebook to Twitter, to blogs and more, there are a wealth of opportunitiess for you to increase your online business exposure, often for free except for your invested time. Start a social media account and write one entry, article, or post some images and brief descriptions. Or, if you prefer, hire a specialized assistant who can jump start your time and results. 3. Leverage Trade Shows If you can't afford a booth, visit a show anyway, ready to make contacts and give out a few business cards. Both prospects and potential joint venture relationships can start at a trade show. Be considerate of any exhibitor's time, however, since they made a significant investment to meet new prospects at their booth. 4. Strengthen Visual Consistency Make sure that all of your promotional material is consistent in style, color, font, and type of paper. Consider gradually refreshing your marketing collateral with new paper, copy or graphics. If you are on a budget, be creative: adding stickers or stamps with your logo or a short benefit statement will modernize or emphasize new offerings. 5. Refresh your Connections Take your best customers out for lunch; call that new client just to wish her a great weekend. Staying in touch with your customers will keep you on the top of their minds next time they are seeking your products or services. 6. Create Visible Associations Whether you sponsor a local nonprofit, partake in a job fair, or volunteer your services, these charitable activities will remind people of your company. You may seek opportunities that reflect the values of your business - for example, a boutique owner might help organize a beneficiary fashion show. 7. Rejuvenate Your Web Site Your web site should offer something to your customers, other than just information about your company. This will encourage them to visit you time and again, recommend your web site, and develop a loyalty to your brand. Update your site with a few new pieces of information - small and regular amounts are more effective than large or no new content. For example, if you own a florist shop, add a few small ideas every week: seasonal gardening tips, printable planting suggestions, or a new e-card featuring flowers. 8. Teach Your Trade Be creative! Sponsor a seminar or webinar or volunteer to teach others about what you know best. Own a computer shop? Offer a free computer workshop once a month. Are you a dentist? Offer to visit a local school to talk about the importance of dental hygiene - and don't forget bringing promotional items or discount coupons with your business name on them. 9. Train Your Employees Your employees are often the face of your company. Make sure they are aware of the image you are trying to promote, and that they are supporting it on a daily basis. If you want excellent customer service, show employees specific things they can do each day to build customer oriented behavior and habits. It can be as simple as greeting customers with a smile, a helpful attitude on the phone, or mentioning a new customer service that may be overlooked. 10. Keep It Real Maintaining appearance is one thing, but daily ensuring that your company reflects its values is more difficult. Be sure that you model what you preach. If you promote your company as a friendly, thorough or service-oriented business, follow through by inquiring about other's experiences whenever you interact with prospects and customers, and even employees. 11. BONUS TIP When you create promotional materials, opt for items with "staying power" that have a function besides advertising your company. This could include pens, golf balls, magnets, and rulers. Be creative! These items often cost the same amount to produce as fliers or promotional brochures, but people tend to keep them for much longer. Building a brand equity takes strong marketing strategy and tactics, but also daily gestures that tell your prospects and customers that they are important. Customers will appreciate your efforts and respond with loyalty.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
