6 quick examples that will start to increase your sales! 1. A strategy and a plan: Marketing must be planned, consistent and repetitive to be effective. Many entrepreneurs take a scatter-shot approach, trying one thing then another. Instead, develop a marketing plan and budget that you can execute.
2. Defined target market: Focusing in on a particular market segment — or niche — gives focus and direction to your marketing efforts. For instance, if you’re an accountant, there may be dozens of CPAs in your community. If you decided to target a specific niche market — let’s say dental clinics — you could join the local dental society, advertise in industry journals for dentists, exhibit at dental association trade shows.
3. Clear message: Let your prospects know exactly what you do and why you’re the right choice for them. Develop an elevator pitch or tagline that sums up your business in a short phrase or sentence. For instance, if you’re a real estate agent, it’s hard to distinguish yourself from the thousands of other Realtors. If, instead, you say, “I’m a real estate agent specializing in first-time home buyers,” that immediately identifies why you might be the best choice for a client.
4. Call to action: Let your target audience know what you want them to do. In your marketing materials, give them a specific directive. It can be something as simple as “See our Web site at www.PlanningShop.com” or make them an offer, “Purchase this week and get 20 percent off.”
5. Appropriate marketing vehicles: Think about the right way to reach your target audience. Do they read the morning newspaper? Are they members of the Chamber of Commerce or trade associations? Try to reach your target audience through a number of marketing and advertising vehicles that they interact with regularly.
6. Repeat exposures: People don’t process information the first time they see it. Make sure your marketing campaign — whether it’s networking with a trade association or advertising in the newspaper —
is repeated over and over and over again.