If you are ready to relaunch your business after the snag of a year we call 2020, you are not alone. Business owners across the country are scrambling to reemerge from the pandemic with their bottom lines intact. Unfortunately, you are probably also dealing with an unfortunate lack of cash flow, which means you need to get creative and market yourself in a way that makes every dollar count. Here are four tips to get started.
Know your strengths.
The first step in any marketing plan is to know your strengths. Business consultancy group Prepare4VC explains that each business owner has unique qualities. As such, you can use these to make yourself and your business stand out. Do you offer the fastest delivery? Are your products built from materials sourced entirely in the US? These are important things that your customers want to know. Look for ways to put this information in front of those people whose patronage you want to attract.
Improve employee performance.
Your business has likely changed and adapted to the current climate. But it must continue to do so. Many business owners are finding that remote collaboration with current employees/freelancers remains a challenge. This can leach over into your customers’ experiences, and that is the last thing you want now.
As part of your marketing plan, make sure to keep your employees focused and communicating. Try not to over-manage but don’t be afraid to reach out to your workers individually to ask if they need help or feel that you are providing everything necessary to complete their expected duties. Make sure you are all communicating regularly, which will keep things flowing and result in more productivity and, ultimately, happier customers.
Offer incentives.
It costs much less to retain your current customers than it does to acquire new ones. With this in mind, and considering your bare-bones budget, you’ll want to think of a few thoughtful ways to show your customers you care. Inexpensive ways to illustrate your appreciation include things like writing letters and offering coupons. Access Development also asserts that simple steps, such as giving your customers a voice and offering free coffee, will also go a long way with paying clients.
You will also want to consider making things a bit safer if you’re a brick-and-mortar business. Free bottles of hand sanitizer and logo facemasks will be welcome incentives that show you have their health at heart. If paying for your reopening endeavor (and the marketing and incentives necessary to keep your business afloat) is a financial challenge, you may need funding, and there are plenty of resources that can help you bounce back. Zen Business lists a few of these, including information on financial planning and adapting to COVID-19.
Simplify social media.
Social media is one of the most impactful ways to attract and engage with your customer base. Unfortunately, it is also where people’s attention spans fall short. Simplify your social media posts in a way that catches the eye quickly and efficiently displays your intention. This might mean you have to learn how to create an infographic or use photographs/memes that can be viewed and shared easily.
Your social media pages should also include ways to contact you and, if pertinent, to schedule an appointment or request more information.
When your marketing budget has been hurt by the state of the world, you have to get creative when it’s time to get back to business. No matter how you choose to do so, be flexible. You’ve adapted so far, and as the world continues to change, you will likely have to do so again.
Photo Credit: Image via Pexels
Guest post by Marcus Lansky, Founder of Abilitator.biz
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