Marketing Tips for the new Small Business Owner

Starting a small business is not easy and takes a lot of hard work, dedication and determination. Not to mention enthusiasm, passion and many late nights!

However there is nothing more pleasurable and confidence building than having your own successful business. Starting it from scratch, putting in the hard work and seeing it grow over time really does give you a sense of pride.

Lots of people will claim that having a successful business is down to luck, the old theory of ‘being in the right place at the right time’. Although we understand that luck can play a part in the success of a business, we should remember that even with the best product or service in the world your company is not going to make it if you can’t market yourself correctly.

Putting all of the elements in place to marketing your business correctly, and professionally, is one of the most vital things you should do as a new business owner and is definitely worth the investment of money and time.

Here are a few Marketing Tips to help you get started

Business Branding
When starting a business it is important that you create a professional identity. Obviously the overall branding will depend on the type of business that you have. Choosing the right name and slogan is very important; don’t choose anything too over the top and stick to a suitable name for your market place. Look at your competitors and rate them on the strength and weakness of their branding. Do you like what they have done or do you think that they are missing a trick? Do you think that they are appealing to the right target audience? What would you do differently? By doing this you’re instantly coming up with ideas for your own business branding as well as things that you want to stay clear of.

Ideally, you should speak with a reputable design agency experienced in supporting new start-ups and small businesses with their branding and marketing. We at BlueFlameDesign have experience in designing bespoke company logos for new start-up companies and small businesses. We would work with you to bring your ideas to life. Leaving the logo design and your Business Branding to BlueFlameDesign will give you the time you need to concentrate on your business.

Online Presence
Marketing online for any business, however big or small, new or old is vital. Staring with a simple Facebook page and Twitter is a good solid base; the old-fashioned word of mouth marketing is the basis of a lot of online media marketing.

We would definitely recommend having a simple branded website for your business at the very least. Having a professional looking, easy to use website is really important as you don’t want to loose customers purely on the weakness of your online presence. Most people will search online for what they are looking for so you need to make sure that your name appears in their results. Chances are this isn’t going to happen if you don’t have a website.

New Business Open Day
Having a launch or an open day is a fantastic way of promoting your new business locally and will instantly get people talking about your business. Target your local area or your key clientele and invite them to come and meet you in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Instantly you will be getting your Company name out there. Even the people that don’t attend will be aware of you because you have invited them.

Getting the local press involved is also a great way to drum up new business and exposure, and you will be surprised just how much interest you can raise. In this current economical climate, the public is more interested in new businesses, especially local businesses, and view it as something of an encouraging sign and will want to help support you.

Another option is to find out if your area holds a business show or trade fair. It might be worth popping along to see who’s involved, network, make some contacts and promote your business personally … better still become an exhibitor!

Special Offers / Return Customers
Your clients are your business and without them, your business will not survive or grow. Value your clients and reward their custom appropriately when you can. Special offers are a fantastic way of showing appreciation as people love to feel that they are getting a better deal than everyone else.
Always treat your return customers like royalty as they are the ones that believe in your business and prove that you are doing something right. Maybe you could offer a discount of price in exchange for a testimonial. Honest business testimonials from happy customers are worth their weight in gold and will guide others into using your business products and services.

Always remember that clients will be loyal to you if you treat them well.

Branded Merchandise
Merchandise for your business can benefit you in many ways. When starting out it will give you an air of professionalism and quality whilst projecting a smart appearance. Use your merchandise to support and enhance your brand. Think about giving personalised merchandise to potential clients or returning clients. People love to feel they are getting something free and this is a great way to get your business out there and also to secure clients.

If your business needs to refresh its brand, advertising or marketing then contact BlueFlameDesign today and we’ll see if we can give your brand a shot of inspiration!