Small Business Marketing For The Virtual World

By Tammie Caldwell


Whether a person is in need of new promotional strategies or seriously considering a plan of action, it is never too late to learn different ways to reach an audience. Using both online and offline tools can either make people remember a brand or ignore it until the right formula is utilized. When it comes to small business marketing, the wide variety can make an interesting mix.

Many have now heard as to how social media can drive sales, or at least recognition. If a person is serious about making this a part of their strategy, they need to take a hard look at what their goal is first. The second would be what interests their audience.

Content, for beginners, should not be random or indirect. Keyword usage should be meaningful and not misleading or excessive. Overuse of keywords or popular phrases can cost an online brand dearly. Choosing a few popular key phrases that are modestly spread out in the first few paragraphs is ideal.

Making frequent posts is also recommended but should not conflict with announcements or other news, as audiences will turn away if they find their mailbox is filling up. Marketers should use a calendar to schedule posts. Keeping track also helps to see the effectiveness of each type of content.

The use of images and infographics is popular. Jpeg images can be used to inform site visitors about products and services. It is recommended to hire a graphic designer or layout artist create these for most effective use of white space online or print.

New tools used for promotion should reflect current lifestyle trends. Mobile device accessories, bottles or travel cups have a place with people who drive to an office or work at home. White papers are not only cost-effective but are easy to publish so they are accessible to the visitor.

It is also important to keep in mind that audience needs can change so content needs to reflect this at all times. Even if an ad or content has proven popular, it should not have a permanent place in the virtual world. Even if it is repurposed, content should remain exciting and have a sticking factor.

Comparing a current marketing campaign to the competition is not a bad thing. It is a fair chance to analyze and find weak areas in need of tweaking. One angle to try is having a conversation with the person reading the site or print material. This approach is often more effective than simply telling visitors what they need or brand offering.

Topics may include headlines that ask a common question or uses humor. This can also help to stand out in search engine pages. Visitors are likely to return when this is given to them without interruption or obstacles.

Inquiry forms that pop up on contact can be distracting, along with things that cause slow loading. These may bring a source of revenue but should be utilized with caution. This also applies to landing pages that are used to ask visitors to be added to an email list. Giving the reader time to peruse is more welcoming than dropping the ball at first contact.




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