5 Marketing Services That Small Businesses Should Not Skimp On
Where to Invest Your Marketing Dollars in 2023 (Small Business Edition)
It’s the end of the year again and small business owners like you are getting busier taking advantage of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This is also the time to reflect on the past year and adjust your priorities and goals for 2023. No matter what services you offer or which products you’re selling, there are a few marketing strategies that you shouldn’t overlook this coming year. Here are 5 essential small business services that you should prioritize in your marketing spend will help you attract new customers and meet your business goals.
Website
You’ve got great products, the best customer service, and loyal, successful employees. But none of these things matter if your website sucks!
A website is often the first introduction that potential customers get to your business, so you want to make a good first impression. These days, it’s also important to have your website optimized for mobile use — 85% of Americans own a smartphone, and mobile browsing and shopping continue to gain traction. Your website is also a great place for past or current customers to leave reviews, which can help strengthen public perception of your business and increase trust. A well-designed website can help your small business acquire new customers and meet sales goals.
Search Engine Optimization
Once you’ve got a well-designed, user-friendly website, how are new customers supposed to find it?
This is where search engine optimization (SEO) comes in. SEO helps Google figure out what your website and business are all about, so when people are looking for the products or services you offer, they’ll see your website at the top of the results. While a lot of different things make up an SEO strategy, it includes the way your website is built, the relevant keywords that you use on your website, and links to your small business website from other sources. Search engine optimization can feel overwhelming, but investing in it will help ensure that your small business is getting introduced to the people who need you.
Content Creation
Creating and sharing content that’s relevant to your potential customers is one of the best ways to support your SEO strategy and spread awareness of your business. Blog posts, case studies, solid copywriting and other types of content will help more people find you through your website and social media. You can also share your content in video form which can further boost your online presence. For visual learners, videos are a great way to explain your product or service from bite-sized video tutorials to long-form webinars.
Social Media Graphics
Whether or not you personally engage in social media regularly, it can be a powerful tool for reaching new customers and engaging with current ones. Social media graphics can help you convey important information, share stories, and build your brand. Creative, well-designed visuals will help grab people’s attention and draw them to your small business. Social media graphics should have a consistent look and feel to build brand identity and help customers understand who you are.
Public Relations
A solid PR strategy will help build awareness of your small business and introduce potential customers to who you are.
While you might think of public relations as something mostly for big corporations that get a lot of media attention, the role and definition of PR has expanded. These days, public relations encompasses just about anything that helps you get your name out there and build brand awareness. Communications, local influencer partnerships, and community affiliations are just a few of the public relations tactics that can help you drive sales. Aside from that, PR firms can also help you with search engine optimization, expanding your online presence, and building your reputation as a thought leader through guest posting and organic content.
We know that owning a small business comes with a lot of challenges, but these five services can make it easier. Investing in a website, SEO, content writing, social media graphics, and public relations will help you build your brand, connect with potential customers, and drive growth for, your business.