Launching a new business is an exciting proposition but running a successful venture is never easy. One of the key challenges for new business owners is getting their business noticed. It’s tough to draw attention to your brand if you’re competing against major international businesses or established companies with loyal client bases. To turn heads and create a buzz, here are some of the best ways to raise brand awareness and attract new customers.
Be clear about your target customer
The first task to check off your list when devising a marketing strategy is to define your target customer. Who are you looking to attract, reach and connect with? Once you know your target audiences, you can focus on figuring out the most effective ways to engage with them and persuade customers to try your products and take an interest in your brand. Be clear about your ideal customer and get to know your audience. Using market research will help you learn more about target customers and gather information to shape your strategy. Ask questions and encourage open, honest feedback. Find out what makes people choose one brand over another and what kinds of incentives, perks, offers or brand values influence purchasing decisions. Learn about price points, branding and what motivates consumers to buy rather than wait or explore other offers or products.
Find the best ways to target ideal clients and buyers
Once you have created a detailed buyer persona, the next challenge is to find the best ways to target your ideal clients and buyers. Use the findings of your market research to help you identify effective platforms and channels. Take inspiration from other brands and companies that are running successful campaigns and research different options. Your marketing strategy should align with the behaviors, needs and preferences of your target audience. If your ideal customer usually looks for products on social media or searches for businesses on Google, for example, it’s important to focus on the techniques and platforms that will help you create high-quality leads and maximize your chances of converting them.
Seek expert advice
Running a business involves wearing multiple hats. Many entrepreneurs have knowledge and understanding of marketing, but few have the same level of expertise as trained, experienced marketers. If you’re not familiar with how different marketing methods work, you’re not up to speed with modern trends, or you lack in-depth knowledge of industry-specific techniques, consider seeking expert advice. Look for an agency that offers the services you’re looking for, compare packages and prices and find companies that have a proven track record in your industry. You can hire agencies that specialize in SEO for contractors to find new clients for your construction business or companies that focus on marketing for law firms, healthcare businesses or eCommerce stores, for example. Teaming up with reputable agencies can help you take advantage of skills, expertise and knowledge and free up time for other core business tasks.
Run promotions
Promotions can help you create a buzz around your brand, encourage prospective customers to want to find out more and persuade new clients to try your products or services. Run promotions that are relevant to your business and your target customer. Use the information you gather through market research and interactions with customers to learn about which offers and deals are most tempting. You may find that your target clients are more likely to buy if there’s a flat discount across the store or there’s a time-limited sale, for example.
It’s also an excellent idea to use promotions to introduce your brand to more people. Social media giveaways are a fantastic example. Even if you don’t sell products or services online, you can use social media to connect with potential customers and put your brand on the map. Instagram giveaways can help you build a following rapidly by encouraging followers to tag others, share your posts and like your pages. The aim is to create a ripple effect. Outline the terms of the competition clearly, set a deadline and take advantage of your time in the spotlight. Urge your followers to share your content far and wide and tag as many people as possible, and keep posting before the deadline. Once you’ve announced the winner, keep new followers interested with posts about upcoming giveaways, exclusive promotions or new product launches.
New business owners face a raft of challenges, including getting their brand noticed. If you’ve recently launched a new venture, or you’re in the early stages of entrepreneurship, there are lots of ways to get people talking and connect with potential customers. Outline your ideal buyer, get to know your target audience and use market research and client feedback to draw up a targeted marketing strategy. Choose methods and platforms that will allow you to reach and engage with target customers and consider seeking advice if you’re not an experienced marketer or you don’t have marketing professionals on your team. Marketing agencies with a track record in your industry can help you run effective, impactful campaigns. It’s also beneficial to entice customers through tailored promotions and use social media to connect with followers and build relationships.
