Have you recently started a business or been thinking about starting your own business? For new brands just beginning their journey in the marketing world, the entire industry can feel quite overwhelming. In fact, some of the most valuable lessons are merely overlooked. As a start-up company ourselves, founded in 2018, we want to share the top 10 things you should know about start-up marketing. Take note of these ideas; they are key pieces of information to transform your brand.
⠀
1. Build a library of content that can be used across multiple mediums.
When creating content, it’s important to constantly think of new ways it can be repurposed. Create a month long social media campaign, use it in emails, use it to run ads, and even use it in sales. The list goes on! ⠀
2. Network with others who share a complementary audience.
This is so important! Finding people in the marketing world who share a complementary audience not only helps your brand, but helps you make new business and client connections.
3. Listen and engage with your audience.
Sometimes your audience’s feedback is the most valuable feedback you can receive. Remember, don't be afraid to hear something that goes against your thought process.
4. You don’t have to break the bank to be successful.
A big fear of startup business owners is that they do not have the funds for expensive marketing and research tools. Don’t worry! There are so many free and low cost tools available to marketers such as SocialPilot, Buffer, and Hootsuite. Pro tip: Many of these tools offer free 30 day trials so you can test them out and see which one aligns best with your goals.
5. Analyze other brand’s strategies.
While you don’t want to directly copy another brand’s content, you can use it for inspiration. Spend some time researching and analyzing the brands you love. What makes their content engaging? What makes them exciting? Why were you impacted/influenced by that brand? Just wait… the ideas will start rolling in!
6. Your story matters.
Authenticity and transparency are huge deciding factors in your business’s success as no one wants to engage with a brand that does not give them a reason to care. Make your audience consistently invest emotional energy in your brand, craft a relatable product, and focus on the story only you can tell.
7. Measure Everything.
Without measuring, you will have no way to tell what is and what isn’t working within your marketing strategy. Measure shares, page views/likes, comments, and even website traffic. Once you figure out what is working, only concentrate on what’s getting you the best results. Pro Tip: Give yourself 1-2 months to receive an accurate analytic report before sticking to one strategy.
8. Start a blog.
Blogging is a very powerful marketing tool proven to generate exposure for your business and increase traffic to your website. Publish content that is both relevant and informative to your target audience. As your blog starts attracting more visitors, more people will learn about your startup, and the rest is history!
9. Take chances.
You didn't start this business because you were afraid...right? Take that fearless approach with your marketing and you will see your business grow.
10. Ultimately, have fun!
The reality is that all marketing begins and ends with fun, and engaging with your work leads to engagement from your customers. Remember to approach opportunities with a sense of playfulness and curiosity.
Keep in mind that your journey as an entrepreneur won’t be easy. Some things will work seamlessly, and other things will be quite the challenge. Achieving marketing success and finding your business’s sweet strategy is in your hands. You’ve got this!
Comments