Effective Marketing StrategiesThat You Might Not Expect
Many people think online advertising = marketing. Although it can be effective, most small to mid-sized businesses receive the majority of business from referrals, and there are many methods that boost referrals even more.
"84% of B2B decision-makers start the buying process with a referral."
Making Marketing Make Sense.
Depending on your business, we may recommend different things, but here are some unique tactics that most businesses should start with.
Referral Networking
Hopefully this is an obvious one, but in case you aren't aware, there are many networking groups that prioritize referrals between businesses. Regardless of what group you're a part of, be vigilant in attending regularly, and don't neglect to meet with people in your group one-on-one.
Check out BNI, Two Twelve, or even look for local networking groups on Facebook.
If you're not already doing this, you're missing out.
Business Cards
Another obvious one, but a lot of people don't know the secrets to make them effective. Digital business cards have grown in popularity recently, but we've found that a hybrid approach is the most effective.
A physical card allows your referral group to provide it to someone else, but having a digital connection is still very beneficial. This is why we always recommend connecting a QR code that leads to your primary social media, like LinkedIn, so you don't miss out on connecting with your prospects quickly.
Although we love our websites, a QR code to it is ineffective if prospects don't provide their information.
Social Media
Posting on social media regularly might help you gain followers and prospects, but unless you're a wedding photographer or aiming to become a 'social media influencer,' it's unlikely to happen organically.
So why post? Because, as mentioned in the previous step, you should be getting prospects and referral partners to connect with you on social media. The more you post, the more your referral partners will know what you offer—making it easier for them to refer you—and the more your prospects will be reminded that you have the solutions they need.
Which Platforms to Use and When to Post
We understand it can be challenging to figure this part out. With our direct guidance we can create a plan that makes sense for your business. To be blunt, however, unless you're a wedding or family photographer, you should be on LinkedIn primarily.
Part of our service is making sure you're taking advantage of everything LinkedIn has to offer. You should be posting between three and five times a day. We know these numbers seems daunting, but it doesn't need to be as hard as you think.
Google Business Profile
This is undoubtedly the most important when it comes to organic prospects—and the best part is, it's free! There are many factors that go into making it effective, but the simplest way to understand it is, "Treat it like a social media platform."
You can post updates, offers, services, events, and photos, and if you post on your Google Business profile the same info as your social media, you're off to a good start.
Search Engine Optimization
SEO seems confusing to most people, and many SEO companies take advantage of your confusion. We believe it doesn't need to be so complicated.
Main Point: Put as much information about your business into Google's system.
Learn more about how we can simplify SEO for your business: Learn More
More Services For Increasing Visibility.
Although the six steps above are a great starting point, check out our individual services to learn more ways we take your business into the spotlight.
Let's Start Marketing!
Because a lot of what makes marketing effective is related to having a good website, with strong SEO, we can only help you once you have a website with us. The good news is, this is included with all of our websites.
Schedule a call with an Andrilla Team Member so we can get to know you and your vision, and create the website of your dreams.