In the previous article we discussed some of the basics of online marketing, including creating a marketing plan, identifying your target audience, and creating content that will engage your audience.
Now that we have the basics out of the way, we can dive back into how to market your business online. When it comes to marketing your business, there are many ways to go about it. However, with a little planning, research, and trial and error, you will be able to find the perfect approach for your business.
Find Your Niche
The first step is to find your niche. What is your target audience and what are they looking for? There are many different specialties and niches that you can delve into; however, you must pick something that you are passionate about and that will allow you to stand out from competitors.
Consider what your target audience wants and needs and pick a field that you can be passionate about. For example, if you are an accountant who enjoys DIYing and fixing up houses, then you may decide to become a real estate agent. On the other hand, if you are looking to start a landscaping business, then you may decide that working with plants is what you want to focus on.
Once you have found your niche, the next step is to consider how you will differentiate yourself from competitors. How will you stand out from the crowd? Research your niche and find out what makes you uniquely qualified to offer something specific to your niche. If you do not have a solid background in the field, then consider pursuing online learning via free degrees or online learning platforms.
Market To Decision-makers
Decision-makers are key players in the marketplace. These are individuals who have power over the purchasing decisions of others. Consideration must be given as to how you will reach these individuals and what will be the best way to present yourself?
Marketing to decision-makers is often considered one of the most effective and efficient ways to market your business. If you can get in front of someone who has the power to decide what products or services others will purchase, then you can effectively market your business. The key to successfully reaching decision-makers is to consider the type of person you are trying to reach, their needs, and how you can help them.
For example, if you are trying to market your lawn care service to real estate agents, then you need to consider that most real estate agents are busy focusing on making sales and do not have time to focus on customer care. Hence, you must be sure to offer something that will make their life easier. Perhaps you can create a customized plan that takes into consideration all of their clients’ needs. This may mean that you will need to call them regularly throughout the year or year-round, but it will certainly be worth it.
The more you know about your target audience, the easier it will be to craft the perfect strategy to reach them. With a little bit of research, you will be able to determine what works best for your business and where you should focus your efforts. You can also use free tools like Google Analytics to further dive into your viewers’ habits.
Marketing To The Masses
The masses are those individuals who do not wield power in the marketplace but can be influenced by your marketing efforts. These are your everyday consumers. You must remember that while you are trying to reach a decision-maker you are also marketing to the masses. Hence, you must be careful to craft your messaging with both groups in mind.
Marketing to the masses is often considered a bit of a “catch-all” approach when it comes to marketing. You are essentially trying to reach as many people as possible and allow them to be your audience. The key to reaching the masses is by broadening your outreach and trying different channels.
Consider marketing on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram for your accounting business. These are instant platforms that allow you to post engaging content quickly and easily. Consider also using platforms like YouTube to post videos about your services or to provide helpful tips for customers.
The more you put in place, the more you will see results. With a little bit of effort, you will be able to find the perfect approach for marketing your business. Do not get discouraged if the results do not appear overnight. It may take some time to find the right mix of tactics to get the most out of your marketing budget.