Six Marketing tips for your start-up business
Getting your side hustle off the ground and working for you requires getting your business out there. Think of marketing as your business’s dating profile. You want potential matches to see just how fantastic your business is and get them to select you out of all the other possible matches out there.
So, if marketing is like dating, then perhaps you should also think about your perfect client as the ideal date for your business. Think about the characteristics that would make a great client or match and aim your marketing towards attracting that person. The perfect match is more than just the hypothetical big wallet hunk, it’s the long-lasting customer relationship that’s mutually beneficial.
But getting your company out there and ready to mingle might seem like a daunting task if you don’t know where to begin. But just like dating you won’t meet the perfect match hiding away from the world, your best match is out there its time your business gets mingling. Your business needs to get noticed and the best way to do that is to get an online presence that attracts the ideal type of match for your business.
Let’s have a look at a few ways your start-up should be putting itself out there.
The Six Marketing tips for your start-up business:
1. Know what your ideal match looks like (formulate a buyer persona)
The saying that ‘there are many fishes in the ocean’ might be true about dating but it is not entirely true about business. Although online marketing might put you in contact with thousands of people, remember that only a selected few of those would make an ideal match for your business. Don’t waste your time and money marketing to the masses, instead formulate a buyer persona so that you understand what your ideal client looks like. Now you can focus your pursuits on those who are more likely to be a better match for your business.
Ask yourself the following when creating your ideal match.
- What is your match looking for? (How does your product or service help them)
- What sets your match apart from other potential matches? (Specific buyer demographics like age, income, level of education, and location)
- Where does your match prefer to mingle? (Where should you focus your marketing e.g., do they prefer Facebook over Instagram)
- What interests does your match have? (What interests or hobbies does your buyer have and how do they gain information on their interests e.g., google search, niche magazines, journals, or forums)
Knowing what your ideal match looks like will allow you to focus your attention in the correct places.
2. A great & interesting Bio (Create relatable and well-written marketing material)
Spend some time when writing your companies About us page or other profile information. Keep your potential clients in mind and reassure them of your credibility. Should you have any mark-worthy credentials to include like certifications or any awards that your business has won remember to include this as well.
Most importantly remember that you are connecting with real people. Show your potential clients the people that make your business great, this creates credibility and reassures potential clients that should they need any assistance during the purchasing process there will be another human they can talk to. Remember people prefer to connect with other people. Should you need some help formulating your Bio, download our Free Company Profile Writing guide.
3. Good looking profile pictures (focus on quality marketing content)
The best way to market your amazing products or services would be with good quality marketing content. The better your product images and other marketing content, the bigger your chance of attracting the correct buyer. This does not mean you have to hire professional photographers and designers right from the start but be sure to showcase your products in the best way possible. Remember that your potential clients will see hundreds of other advertisements so make sure yours stands out from the crowd. Highlight your best features and show your potential clients just how amazing your business is.
It should go without saying that being truthful is the best way to ensure a happy and long-lasting customer relationship. Don’t use false advertising or misleading product images. Catfishing is not just frowned upon in the dating world but also in marketing.
4. Mingle with those you already know (engage your immediate audience)
A great and free marketing channel to use is Facebook posts and your WhatsApp status. Your network of friends and family might already include a few ideal matches. If you are offering a service or product, make use of this already exciting network of contacts and post about your business on your social media accounts and WhatsApp status. Who knows your auntie might just be the ideal matchmaker and put you in contact with others that’s the ideal match for your business?
Don’t forget to include other platforms as well, your LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram posts are a great way to share your start-up with others. Make use of this existing pool of potential clients by politely asking friends and family to share. Think of it as if you are asking them to hook you up with other singles they might know.
5. Join ‘dating advice” groups (follow groups specifically targeting your niche)
A great way to learn more about your potential match is through Niche groups or forums. Join a few Facebook groups specific to your industry or target market. It is not always about gaining a sale, but more about learning from others offering the same services or products. It’s often also helpful to see how your competitors go about marketing themselves or facing challenges.
It is also a great way to receive free ‘dating advice” on how to potentially woo your next match. We should never stop learning and gaining advice from other industry experts will only benefit your company. Every bit of knowledge gained increases your chance of connecting to your ideal customer.
6. Hit the gym (Actively work towards growing your online brand).
Looking good is one way of attracting potential matches, and the same should be said about your business. Keep working towards small goals and once you have achieved them share them with the world. Your potential clients should see how your business celebrates successes. Remember that people relate to other people so show them the moments you are proud of and inspire them with your work ethic whenever working towards new goals. People love to share in a collective win so remember to thank your clients whenever they help you reach a goal or comment something positive about your business online.
How you process losses will also say a lot about your business to potential clients. If you ever receive negative feedback online don’t just ignore it and hope it will go away. Engage the disappointed client and rectify the issues immediately. Even your companies’ “Exes” should always have positive things to say about their experiences.
We hope that the above tips inspire you to get your business out there and mingle with potential matches. Remember to have fun with your marketing and to always engage your potential buyers in a way that reflects just how amazing your business is.
Should you require any assistance in getting your start-up out there and engaging with potential clients online contact us today for an obligation free consultation session.
Yours in marketing
The Qum studios team.
