British businesses are competing. They are in a race with another estimated 5.4 million businesses, to get their brand noticed.
Whether doing this by screaming, dancing or evening miming, small business owners may still struggle to get their brands voice heard.
I’ve put together a list of simple tips that can help you take on the brand big boys.
(1) Little things can make a huge difference
Notice how this is a list of top 11 tips Thats because everyone else does a top 10. Weve gone one better. Little and often simple differentiators like this are what makes people look twice an invaluable asset in the quest for awareness in a busy online world.
(2) Whats your story
The beauty of a smaller business is that theres usually people behind it with a real genuine passion for what they do. If you’re one of them, show it. Write blogs, post vlogs, become a spokesperson for your industry. Your businesss unique selling point is that it isnt a faceless corporation. Shout about it.
(3) Get personal
For businesses, social media can feel like a place where customers go to moan. But it’s important that your business is present, responding to queries and generally helping people out.
Even if it is a complaint, youd be amazed at how happy people can be with a friendly, human interaction, or just some acknowledgement. And theres no better marketing technique than word of mouth.
(4) Hashtag hijacking
If you see something trending on Twitter that you sort of, kind of, maybe think relates to your business, JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON.
Send your tweet using the hashtag, and anyone who explores that trend will see your business. Congratulations, youve just grown your audience. One tweet is all it can take for your business to go viral. Just make sure it’s for a good reason.
(5) Email isnt dead
Despite what millennial think pieces might have you believe, email marketing isnt a thing of the past. Email use is growing in the business sector and by 2018, business email will account for over 139.4 billion emails sent and received per day.
Email outperforms other marketing strategies, earning on average $43 for every $1 spent and email marketing services are a great way to help you save time. For a monthly fee you get a certain amount of emails you can send out, and there are tools available to look after the automatic removal of bad addresses, duplicates and unsubscribes.
Why is it key for you to actually get out of the office and shake hands What is the importance of looking professional and knowing what you’re talking about And how can beer help to get the juices flowing Find out on page two…
(6) Get out of the office
It may feel like it’s impossible to find time to leave your workplace but trust us, it’s worth it. Attending events lets you mingle with like-minded business-owners, hear great ideas, and potentially meet the person who will take your company global. You won’t know unless you go.
(7) Brush up on current affairs
At the risk of sounding like your college politics teacher, you should keep up to date with happenings around the world.
Often journalists will tweet, using #journorequest, asking for comments from people on specific storylines. If the story suits your business and you have an angle, get in touch with them straight away and you might see your comment (and business) in the newspaper the next day!
(8) Be and look professional
Does a struggling salesman start turning up on a bicycle No, he turns up in a newer car. David Brent, The Office.
In business, perception is everything. And, it’s never been easier to secure your business image. A professional-looking website will put consumer minds at ease. You could be operating from your parents basement but a shiny website will in the mind of customers conjure thoughts of a slick service, reassuring them that your company is reliable and well-known. Use your website as a virtual billboard.
(9) Get the creative juices (and pints) flowing
Getting caught up in the day-to-day running of your business can make it hard to think outside the box.
In terms of marketing, you want to do something different to your competitors. Go see your friends down the pub and ask them what they want from your type of business. Why do they choose certain products or services What catches their eye Which brands do they know best, and why Based on this, you can start generating ideas that will get your business noticed.
(10) Know your audience
Its a common mistake to think everyone needs your business. Identify your demographic and target them with the right content. From newsletters to LinkedIn, the right materials and channels offer access to the right audience. You dont necessarily need to cast a wider net, just one with stronger rope. Or something like that.
(11) Experiment
You need to find out what works and what doesnt. From trying out a different subject header in an email to using a different font on your website, experimenting with your content will keep it fresh. Sure, it’s important to maintain brand consistency, but an occasional update will stop everything feeling stale.
Stefano Maruzzi is GoDaddys VP for EMEA.
