Small-to-midsized companies are often strapped for marketing dollars and resources, and many don’t have a dedicated marketing staff. If they are lucky enough to have a marketing professional in-house, chances are that person doesn’t have enough time or skill to handle every aspect of a successful marketing, PR, and advertising campaign. Follow these 14 proven marketing strategies to save time and money when implementing a marketing plan.
1. Research your markets before deploying campaigns. Thorough market research is the key to ensuring your marketing dollars don’t go to waste.
2. Identify target markets. Create profiles and personas for your ideal prospects.
3. Establish a marketing budget. A clear, carefully crafted budget is key to the success of your campaign.
4. Make sure your branding is clear and consistent. This includes consistency in design, messaging and positioning, and all marketing communications.
5. Clearly articulate your technology product or services. If you want people to buy, be clear on what you’re selling and why they need it.
6. Get testimonials and endorsements. This is such an easy tactic for increasing social proof and building trust, but many SMBs overlook testimonials.
7. Use word-of-mouth. Take advantage of social influencers and always be listening to conversations involving your brand.
8. Be extremely visible online. Search engine optimization and pay-per-click advertising are extremely efficient use of marketing budget and help reach a very targeted audience.
9. Ask for referrals. Don’t be shy! Satisfied customers are more than happy to endorse your products and services.
10. Cross promote your product or service. Find a synergistic company and explore your options to partner together.
11. Integrate your marketing. Utilize many different marketing channels to increase your chance of success.
12. Continually communicate. Nurture leads and customers with an e-newsletter or sophisticated marketing automation services.
13. Analyze your leads. Linking your website to Google Analytics is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your business.
14. Test customer satisfaction on an ongoing basis. Check in with your customers periodically to learn how you can improve your offerings or customer service.
Don’t have the resources to handle your marketing efforts in-house? Clarity Quest has served as a complete outsource marketing department for startups and Fortune 500 companies. Call 877-887-7611 to request a quote today.