In business, getting yourself noticed is all-important, and the obvious way to do that is marketing and promotion.
The whole point of marketing/promotion is to build up trust with the customer base, convince them you have something of value that could make their life better.
The most successful entrepreneurs have learned the ropes in how to promote their company. Not everyone is naturally attuned to self-promotion… but running a successful business is not for the shy or the hesitant, you need to get out there in front of people and let them know who you are, what you’re selling, and why they should buy it.
We’ve consulted some top experts in the field of various entrepreneurial enterprises in compiling this article, giving you 7 tips on how to promote yourself so that your business can grow and thrive.
1. Know Thyself
First thing you need to settle on when promoting yourself is: “what am I selling?” It’s not good enough to simply state what you’re selling because there’s likely a hundred other businesses selling the same thing and you’ll be just another face in the crowd.
Instead, do market research and look at the overall marketplace of your particular service. Attempt to ascertain if there are any gaps in the market, an area that is underserved, and target that.
Once you figure out how to differentiate yourself from everyone else, you’re on your way…
2. Get Knowledgeable
How do you expect customers to trust you if you can’t answer their questions? When would-be customers inquire of you about aspects of the products and/or services you’re providing, they expect instant answers.
Read up on your chosen field of business daily, stay updated on competitors and new products, talk to other people who work in the same type of business, share stories and tips and get advice.
The aim is to make yourself an expert so when customers come calling, you know exactly how to address their concerns and this builds confidence and trust in your business.
3. Content Marketing
This is one of the foundational cornerstones of modern business. Most of marketing is done online, the aim is, of course, to get your business known by the public at large.
The digital marketing arena encompasses a lot more than just a website, although that should be your first priority in setting up. Additionally, email marketing software can help you establish an email newsletter to stay in contact with clients. Perhaps create a blog or even a vlog on Youtube.
Establishing an identifiable presence online will be a big piece of the puzzle in promoting yourself.
4. Social Media
Social media is a vitally important tool to increase market awareness of your business. Whether it be Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, or whatever, establishing yourself firmly in social media will do more for promoting your business than any physical advertising campaign ever could.
Ascertain where the majority of your customers are coming from. Are most of them coming to your site through Twitter or Facebook or wherever? Target that platform specifically, develop your online presence there more fully, and increase your customer base.
Social media can be a challenging new environment for novices, but once you master it, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.
5. Other Voices
One good way to build a solid customer base and trust in your company is to invite other people onto your digital marketing. If all people read about is flat, boring market-speak on your website or social media accounts, they’re going to get disinterested and leave.
Spice it up with guest columns on your blogs, interviews with interesting and relevant folks on your Youtube channel, maybe set up a chat forum for customers and industry professionals. Show the world that you value debate and engagement.
Including other voices in your promotion can help amplify your own.
6. Public Speaking
If self-promotion is what you’re aiming for then that means getting out in front of the public, whether it be physically or online.
Figure out where potential customer bases would gather. Events like trade shows, investment conferences, association meetings, trade workshops, etc..
Organize speaking engagements to such events, giving people an overview of who you are and sharing knowledge about the profession in question, before you promote your company.
Face-to-face networking is one of the oldest but still one of the most effective ways to promote your business.
7. Building Relationships
This is a very important part of promoting yourself. Even in the world of digital marketing, human relationships are an important part of business.
People tend to trust others they’ve met, so establish those ties with other professionals and potential customers at events listed above, always ensure you have a business card to give out immediately, invite them out for a drink or cup of coffee.
The more you do that, the more familiar and friendly you become with other entrepreneurs like yourself, developing a network not just of professional acquaintances but also potential paying customers.
We hope you found this article both educational and inspiring. Ultimately though, it is YOU that has to go out there and promote yourself in every way you can. We believe you can and will succeed… good luck!
