Marketing ideas for new business owners
This one is for all the aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners out there
When you first get started there is so much to do and you’re wearing so many hats. If you don’t have a background in marketing, it can feel overwhelming to add that to your ever-growing to-do list.
So let’s talk about some simple ways you can market your new business effectively!
Set up your social media accounts
This may sound obvious, but it’s worth starting with.
Do your research about which platforms you want to be on. Pick one or two and learn all about them. The algorithm, the trends, research other businesses like yours that are further along and see which of their posts have the most buzz. Don’t duplicate anyone else’s content, but use it as research to see what catches people’s eye.
Then, get really active – I’m talking posting at least 3 times a week and sharing to your stories. Talk to your dream client. Share your mission, any client testimonials you have, and anything else that your ideal clients want to see.
Try out some networking groups
In-person networking is where it’s at. Especially in places like the Tri-Cities, where I’m at. People want to do business with people they know, like, and trust. So get to know them, get them to like you, and build that trust!
There are both paid and unpaid networking groups. The key is to build relationships with the people you meet at these events, so that you can start getting your name out there and becoming known within your community. That’s where referrals come from, and collaborative partnerships, and even mentors in your industry.
Create a website
You can get a simple landing page for free from several different companies. Squarespace, Wix, Wordpress just to start. You don’t need to pay thousands of dollars to get a robust site built. I built my first several websites myself, with no experience and almost no knowledge of how to do it. I didn’t pay someone else to build my website until several years after I started. The sites these days make it so simple to build something beautiful. They even have templates you can choose from and customize for your own business.
You need somewhere to send people that belongs to you, not Meta, not TikTok, not LinkedIn. Your own website where you can send people to learn about you and your business!
Start a newsletter
Build your email list! Send out specials, event announcements, tips and tricks about your product or service. This is another way to ensure that you own your contact list and aren’t relying on someone else’s platform to build your contact list.
One way to get people to join your newsletter is to make sure they get something in return. A downloadable ebook, audio file, or checklist relating to your offer. A discount on your product or service even works if that’s applicable to your offer.
Work with pros if you can
Hire pros to help you wherever you can swing it. Look for locally owned web designers, photographers, bookkeepers, videographers, graphic designers, business coaches, social media strategists… anything that isn’t in your zone of genius, hire out if you can. Give yourself the freedom to focus on building your business instead of doing all the things that you hate doing (or suck at doing).
If you want to start your marketing off right, and get some gorgeous pictures that tell the stories of your business, I’m your girl. I can create kickass pictures that make your marketing journey easy, creating a whole gallery of images that showcase all the best pieces of your business. So that you can draw in the people that you want to work with.
Seek out places to list your events
If you host events or teach classes, make sure you’re listing them everywhere. Look for directories where you can list them for free. Community boards and Chamber of Commerce event calendars. Here in the Tri-Cities, you have Tumbleweird, Visit Tri-Cities, and the Journal of Business. You can also partner with some of those other business owners you’ve networked with and ask them to feature your event in their next newsletter. Get creative, and get seen!
Go to all the things.
Grand openings. Networking events. Business After Hours gatherings. Vendor pop ups. Free community events. Get social and take your business card or a QR code people can scan as you chat with them so you can stay connected.
I know this all sounds like a lot. So take it slowly, pick 2 or 3 at a time and get going. Build your dream business. You’ve got this.
And when you’re ready to show up authentically online with gorgeous pictures that tell your stories, draw in your dream clients, and build the trust factor so more people want to hire you…
