10 Marketing Tips for Small Businesses

Small businesses need marketing in order to grow and prosper, but many small business owners don’t have marketing experience or expertise. That’s why it's important to work with a professional, who can help you get the word out about your business. Some of the tips below are easier than others, and some take more time than others. Choose the ones that are right for your business and work on them one at a time until you have them all in place.

Here's how to get started

1. Make a list of everyone you know

Think about everyone you know, from friends, family and coworkers to associates, customers and clients. Make a list of each person's name and contact information, including email addresses if possible. You never know when someone can help you they could refer you to a client or tell others about your business.

2. Be sure your business is listed in the right places

Look through your local phone book and on the Internet to make sure your business is listed where you want it to be. Consider adding a listing in local magazines, and try to get a display ad or classified ad in your area's newspapers.

3. Start networking or attend events

Networking is one of the best ways to meet people who can help you out with referrals for clients or other business opportunities. Start meeting with other professionals in your industry, and attend business related events in your community. Join organizations, like the Chamber of Commerce or local business associations.

4. Stay connected with social media

Connect with all the people you know by using social media, like Facebook and LinkedIn. These sites can help you stay connected, grow your network and even get traffic to your website! And don't forget to add links to your website at the bottom of all of your emails.

5. Use search engines to find your business online

There are countless online tools available, like Google, Yahoo and Bing. Be sure to use all of them don't be afraid to type in phrases that may help you find your products or services. You never know who might be searching for what.

6. Create a positive, professional image

Think about some of the bad words or phrases you hear people use in their everyday conversations. For example, how do you think your business might be affected if someone were to describe it as rude or unhelpful or snooty? Negative terms can hurt your image and make potential customers worry that they won't be happy with your product or service. Work on creating a positive image by focusing on how you want customers to think of your business, then train all of your employees to present the same positive image.

7. Make it easy for customers to contact you

How many times have you run into a situation where someone wanted to talk to a company's customer service department, but couldn't find the right person or didn't give out that person's correct phone number? Include your contact information in brochures and business cards, and then make sure it's easy for people to call that number. Check your cell phone bill to make sure your clients have access to the number.

8. Use a signature file in your emails

Now that you have a business email address, it's easy to let everyone know who you are without actually saying your name. By including a signature file at the bottom of all of your emails, you can include information like your business hours, location and contact information. This way, people can get the information they need from just one quick email.

9. Post your contact information on business cards

Making sure that your clients have access to the correct phone number is important, but that's not the only thing on your business card. Write a brief bio about what you do and use it as the contact info for your business.

10. Always give great service

Make it easy for customers to place orders by keeping a waiting area in front of the counter or office where they can wait while they shop. Offer them small samples of any products they want to try, and always thank them for their business.

Concluding

Besides these 10 tips, there are other important things you should do. Make sure your website is professional and helpful by keeping it updated. You can also offer free information, like a newsletter that you can send out monthly or a blog to keep your customers up to date on all your latest news.

Make sure you put some time, effort and money into marketing. If you're ready to take your company's promotion up a level, consider hiring a professional marketing, branding or public relations firm because they know what they are doing.