Our digital world has made it simple to undo any unfortunate mistakes – simply hit Control + Z and move on. However, when it comes to marketing campaigns for your small business, simply hitting Control + Z isn’t as easy.
Avoid searching for the undo button altogether by steering clear of these top marketing mistakes made by small businesses.
1. No Plan
OK, you’re probably thinking this is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often small businesses “wing it” when it comes to their marketing strategy. Think of your marketing plan as your guide to success. A strategic marketing plan will allow you to plot a course of action so you can see when you’re making progress or heading down a slippery slope.
2. Not Narrowing Down Your Audience
Be sure to conduct ample market research before you begin promoting your product or service. For a marketing campaign to be successful, you must know who your audience is and how to speak to their thoughts, concerns, and interests. Don’t waste your time and money marketing to everyone when only a select few niche segments may actually have a need for your product or service.
3. Ignoring Existing Customers
There are only a handful of people who haven’t tried Coca-Cola, yet you continue to see their
marketing efforts in full swing. Why? Well, unfortunately, there’s always the chance that existing customers will pack up and leave your brand. In order to prevent this from happening, you must continue to market to them as well.
4. Not Being Social
To put it bluntly, the Internet is vast – so it’s likely your brand is being talked about somewhere in it. Integrating social media into your small business’ marketing campaign is essential. By doing so, you can engage with existing fans of your products or services as well as harness new leads. The way in which companies communicate with their customers may change over time, but the idea of being social is here to stay. Check out this post for more information on
how your company can be more social.
Remember, when it comes to your small business’ marketing plan, the coveted undo-button isn’t there – so put this advice to work and make the most of your small business.
Do you have other advice to share with small businesses when it comes to avoiding marketing mistakes? Share your thoughts in the comments.
