Starting a new business can be an exciting venture. However, it can take some time for the business to take off. Spending the first few months of your business on brand awareness can really pay off.
We have compiled a guide to unique ways to get your business known.
Table of Contents
Develop Your Social Media Strategy
Before starting a social media page for your brand, take some time to create a detailed, goal-oriented strategy. Consider what platforms are most relevant to your brand. Decide what will make your company stand out from competitors. Identify ways to build your followers, and then list a few ways that you’ll turn them into customers.
A few excellent strategies include partnering with other local businesses and sharing contests or local events. You could also advertise using Facebook or Instagram ads. Since you’re a new business, focus on creating social media content that informs and educates your followers. Let your followers know what you do, what products you sell, why you’re in business, and how they can reach you with any questions. Maintaining a positive brand image on social media can also help you keep up with comments and messages.
Be a Part of Your Community
One of the best places to find customers for your new business is within your own local community. Let friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family know you’re officially in business. Hand your business card out at your favorite local restaurant or park. Attend or sponsor local events, and sign up to help local charitable organizations.
Donating gift baskets for fundraising events with goodies branded with your logo will help community members remember you. Fill the baskets with custom tote bags with your business name or logo. In addition to the immediate brand awareness of the branded items, you’ll get further exposure when recipients use these bags in public.
Brand Yourself as an Expert
Branding yourself as an expert in your industry is a good way to boost your brand. Position yourself as the leader or expert in your topic or industry. When customers are ready to purchase, they’ll turn to you. A few ways to create an image as an industry expert include being a guest on a podcast, hosting an educational class at the local community center, publishing an e-book, or putting high-quality, informative content on your website.
Focus On Creating a User-Friendly Website
In today’s digital world, a website is a must. However, having a website that simply works is no longer enough. Customers expect websites to load quickly and be functional. If they’re not, they’ll abandon the website and go somewhere else. In fact, research shows that website users drop by an average of 4.42% with each second of load time after five seconds.
In addition to a user-friendly website, it’s also important to focus on mobile design. More customers today are viewing and buying on their mobile phones and tablets. Websites that freeze, are difficult to browse, or don’t have secure checkout processes in place are likely to frustrate customers quickly. Now is the time to start your business off right and publish a well-working website.
Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing can sometimes get a negative reputation, but when done right and with purpose, it can boost your business’s reputation. Influencer marketing is especially beneficial for newer businesses because partnering with an influencer means you can put your products or services in front of a lot of people. Of course, it’s important to choose an influencer that pairs well with your industry to ensure an authentic partnership.
Do your research, which includes considering much more than a potential influencer’s number of social media followers. Make sure you have a good working relationship with the influencer you’re considering and that they fully understand your goals and business plans. Don’t be afraid to talk with multiple influencers to find the right one for your band.
Nurture the Buying Cycle
Matching your marketing efforts with the customer’s buying cycle is an excellent way to start your brand off with a positive reputation. Understand your buyer’s persona, including the different cycles they move through until they become a buying customer. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and identify the barriers that may prevent them from buying. Make sure they have the information they need to overcome these barriers.
The steps you take in the first few months and years of your business can set the tone for its future. Take the time now to create an effective marketing strategy with a functional website. Ensure you have ample marketing materials, including business cards and branded items, so you can leave a lasting impression on potential customers.
