Top Marketing Tips for Small Businesses to Live By

Being a small business owner can feel a bit like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. It’s exciting, it’s terrifying, and it’s very easy to mess up. However, it doesn’t have to be that dramatic. With a little bit of forward planning and a lot of creativity, you can build some buzz around your brand without needing a corporate sized budget. As a small business, here are some top marketing tips for you to live by.

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• Be your audience’s best friend.

Before you spend a single dollar on ads or design, you need to know who you’re talking to and what they like. Where are they hanging out online? What problems are they trying to solve? Once you get into their heads, you can create content and messaging that speaks directly to them, and that’s when the magic happens. Trying to appeal to everyone usually ends in appealing to no one, so you need to get to know your audience like they’re your best friend.

• Have a social media strategy.

Social media is not just for dance trends and brunch photos. It’s a gold mine for building a community and brand recognition. It’s only going to work that way if you use it well. You don’t have to be on every platform, but pick the ones that your audience actually uses and be consistent with posting. Mix up your content behind the scenes. Helpful tips and fun facts. If you don’t know where to start, a good social media agency can help you to figure out your tone, schedule and strategy.

• Make Google your best friend.

If your website is just sitting there like a digital billboard in the middle of the desert, it’s time to show it some love. A little search engine optimization goes a long way, so use keywords that your ideal customers would actually type into Google, write helpful blog posts, and make sure that your site loads quickly. Local SEO is especially important for small businesses so claim Google Business profiles if you haven’t already.

• Remember that email’s still around.

E-mail isn’t dead. It often gets overshadowed by flashier social platforms, but it’s one of the most direct, personal ways to stay connected. Start building a list from day one, offer a freebie or a discount in exchange for an e-mail address, and then send regular updates, tips, and special offers. Just don’t spam people out. Make it valuable and make it worth their time.

• Be consistent without being perfect.

One killer post won’t save you if you short change the audience for weeks afterwards. Consistency builds trust. Whether it’s posting on social media, updating your blog, or sending newsletters, showing up regularly tells people you’re legit and here to stay. Being real, helpful and human can help.

Marketing doesn’t have to overwhelm you, not when you have a strategy in place. Being consistent within your marketing strategy is exactly how you’re going to coax your audience into working with you.