10 Ways to Get Business and Lay a Strong Foundation for All Your Marketing Efforts.
By Barbara Loraine, MA – StartOverSuccess.com – BarbaraLoraine.net
1. Think of a clear niche, brand, domain name and tag line
Although we might like to think that our product or service is for everyone, it’s not. In fact, if our niche is too big, we are like a shotgun that doesn’t hit – or connect – with anyone. There’s a saying, “If you market o everyone, you market to no one.”
For example, my niche is not Start-Up Businesses. That would be too broad. “Start-Up Businesses.” That would be too broad. My “Start-Over Success” narrows my market a lot, so I can focus all of my efforts. This is especially helpful because, since I am creating my Start-Over Success, my market of people over 60 can relate to me.
The domain name should be relatable to people in your niche. Or, some people choose to use their own name. This can be useful for people with services businesses, like consultants. They are their business.
Creating an attracting tagline is also a plus. It’s always good to be memorable. One of my favorite books is “Made to Stick.” Authors Chip and Dan Heath present compelling arguments for writing and speaking that “sticks.”
How to create your brand
How to choose your Domain Name
How to create a catchy taglin
2. Business Cards & Flyers (if applicable)
When you are starting a business under $500, every penny counts. After all, thee are fees you must pay, like a business license ($40) and for many businesses, general liability insurance ($120). But, free is always in the budget! Everything else must be scrutinized.
Design your business cards and/or flyers with software you have or can use free. Canva.com is free to use. I happen to be a wizard with Apple’s Keynote, so I use that. You culd use PowerPoint. The point being, design your card for free.
You can get 250 cards from VistaPrint.com for just $20 or Staples for $15. Or go to your locally-owned print shop
When it comes to flyers (which are great for home service businesses like housekeeping, design four-up on a page (to cut costs by four) and use colored paper, not colored ink. For $20 you’ll get over 200 pieces.
Put these 1/4-page flyers at people’s doors in your target area. Most libraries and some other places allow flyers to be displayed. Think of where your prospective clients visit, and put flyers there – if you get permission.
3. Your Website - Make it Low, Low Cost & Only Build One If You NEED It Now
Do you need a website immediately? Not necessarily. Businesspeople who must build trust, display expertise, and/or explain complex ideas, may need to start with a website. A consultant or coach does need a website, but a solo painter does not.
BlueHost.com for website hosting is only $3 a month! That’s awesome! They will help you get WordPress uploaded to your site, and WordPress is free. Use a free theme. There are a gazillion themes to choose from. Think of what you need, like an SEO-friendly and Mobile-friendly theme. Period.
To start your business for under $500, do not pay someone to create a website for you. Period. Your business probably doesn’t require a website right away. A good LinkedIn page or Facebook page might be enough to get you started.
Once you start making income, invest everything you can into what counts for making even more income ASAP.
4. Write Your Compelling LinkedIn Profile
Do a Google search of your name. Odds are, your LinkedIn listing will be on page one. Join LinkedIn with a free account. a paid account is $600 a year; you just don’t need that yet. (More on that in a bit.) When people consider working with you, the first thing they’ll do is look at your LinkedIn profile. Make it a good one. Here’s how, with Lievun Buyse, How to make a great LinkedIn Profile
With a free LinkedIn account, you can only contact people in your #1 level, people you know. Here’s the way to connect with anyone: Look for and join LinkedIn groups for your type of business or target market. You can contact any member in your group, with a free account!
When you contact people on LinkedIn, don’t sell. Nobody joins a group to be sold to. Instead, be friendly; comment on others’ posts and share helpful ideas. As you build a reputation in the group, you can directly contact group members and softly ask about their needs and how you may be able to help.
5. Use "Google My Business," it's Free
As an example, a search for “san diego dentist” bring up this listing of local dentists who have applied for Google My Business. This list and map shows right below the paid sponsored listings in that category. And, it’s free!
6. Which social media platforms do your clients hang out on? Set Up a Business Page.
For Business-to-Business people, you can’t beat LinkedIn, with Twitter as second.
Moms often use Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest. The over-50 set still uses Facebook a lot, too. While younger clients and prospects use Tik Tok and Instagram most.
Here’s the great thing about Twitter and Pinterest: You can add links directly to your website, to a particular blog post, or even to your YouTube video. This makes it super convenient for your audience to get more information – or to buy – from you.
For each of the social channels, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, there is a Business Page option. With YouTube, you just set up a channel for your business. They are free to set up! Amazing!
7. Join Social Media Groups
Social Media groups are kind of like a virtual networking meeting, a forum, a neighborhood chat – all rolled into one.
Groups can be amazing places to meet others in your industry or your target market/niche who are seeking products and services like yours.
You can find cross-marketing partners, mutual support, and more.
Now, just like attending any live meeting, being involved with a group takes time. You may find the rewards well worth the time you invest.
Coming Soon: Start-Over Success Community
8. Local Groups, Meetups, and More
With the pandemic behind us, people are once again meeting live. For people who like to rub elbows and for those who can get exposure with live speaking and networking, this is great news.
Do a search for “Business Networking YOUR TOWN.” A long list of options will probably come up. Also, go to Meetup.com and search for business networking on your area of interest. Odds are there will be meetings you are interested in.
Don’t forget community service groups. Rotary International, Lions Club, Kiwanis, Optimists International, and more – each has local groups where people meet for charitable causes – and for business networking
9. Ask for Testimonials and Reviews and Post Them on Your Website and Social Pages.
We feel more comfortable doing business with someone who other people speak well of. How many times have you checked for reviews of movies, restaurants, and other businesses? Others want to hear about you, too.
Don’t expect even thrilled clients to write reviews, ask them to do so. Make it is for them, by offering places for them to write their comments.
10. Do Excellent Work That is Worthy of Positive Reviews.
‘Nuff said. If you aren’t the best at what you do, yet, work hard so that you can be most excellent. Be “remarkable,” as in “worthy of remark.”
But remember, no matter how great the work you do is, you won’t get any business if people don’t know about you.