Small Business Marketing Tips 2017: Boost Your Business in the Digital Age
Understand Your Target Audience
In 2017, it’s crucial for small businesses to truly understand their target audience to create effective marketing strategies. Conduct market research to identify demographics, preferences, and behaviors of your potential customers. Personalizing your marketing efforts based on this information can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates. For instance, if your target audience is young professionals who value sustainability, tailor your messaging and campaigns to reflect those values.
Utilize Social Media Platforms
Social media continues to be a powerful marketing tool for businesses in 2017. Choose the social media platforms that align with your target audience demographics and industry. Create engaging content such as videos, images, and polls to drive user interaction. Consider using paid advertising options on social media platforms to boost your reach and engagement. For example, Instagram is popular among younger demographics, while LinkedIn is more business-oriented.
Create a Content Marketing Strategy
Content marketing remains a key driver of online success for small businesses in 2017. Develop valuable and relevant content that aligns with your audience’s interests and needs. Blog posts, infographics, videos, and podcasts are effective formats to showcase your expertise and drive traffic to your website. Implement SEO strategies to optimize your content for search engines and improve visibility. For example, a local bakery can create video tutorials on baking techniques to engage with their audience and showcase their products.
Email Marketing Campaigns
Email marketing continues to be a cost-effective way for small businesses to reach their audience directly. Build an email list of potential customers through website sign-ups, purchases, or events. Personalize your email content based on customer preferences and behavior. Use automation tools to schedule and track email campaigns, ensuring timely and relevant communication. Monitor the performance of your email campaigns, analyzing open rates, click-through rates, and conversions to optimize your strategy for better results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Small Business Marketing Tips 2017
Q: How can small businesses leverage influencer marketing in 2017?
A: Influencer marketing can be a valuable strategy for small businesses to amplify their reach and credibility. Identify influencers in your industry or niche who align with your brand values and have a strong following. Collaborate with influencers on sponsored content, product reviews, or co-promotions to tap into their audience. Track the performance of influencer campaigns through metrics like engagement rates and website traffic to measure success.
Q: What role does storytelling play in small business marketing in 2017?
A: Storytelling has become essential for small businesses to connect with their audience on a personal level and differentiate themselves from competitors. Share compelling stories about your brand’s journey, mission, or customer experiences across various marketing channels. Incorporate storytelling into your website, social media posts, emails, and advertisements to create an emotional connection with your audience and build brand loyalty.
Q: How important is online customer reviews for small businesses in 2017?
A: Online customer reviews are highly influential in shaping consumer perceptions and purchase decisions in 2017. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Respond promptly to both positive and negative reviews to show active engagement and willingness to address customer feedback. Positive reviews can boost your credibility and attract new customers, while negative reviews present an opportunity to showcase your excellent customer service and problem-solving skills.
Resources:
1. 7 Marketing Trends for 2017 – Forbes
2. Small Business Marketing Guide – HubSpot
3. Ideas for Small Business Marketing – Business News Daily