Dreams are launched every day and labeled as “businesses” with no thought for the future nor understanding of the market. Sadly, many start-ups fold within a year as once-eager owners watch profits dwindle, customers fade away and the bank accounts plunge into the red. Many business owners are left wondering “Was it a total waste of time and money?” and “How could all of this have been prevented?” Families face devastation as bankruptcy is filed and are left wondering “What now?”
Unfortunately, many business owners do not fully understand the benefits of successful marketing. Good marketing will raise brand awareness, generate and boost sales and engage consumers. Great marketing involves consumer education. Just because you know the ins and outs of your product doesn’t mean everyone else does, too. Marketing is also the great equalizer as it permeates social media, snail mail, billboards, television, radio, digital music platforms, movie theaters, car magnets and so much more. It is now easier for small businesses to communicate with consumers every bit as much as the big box companies.
Most consumers value the experience above products. Successful marketing creates avenues by which to communicate more of a personalized experience to your valuable customers; creating an opportunity to show them what sets you apart from your competition.
Marketing as Tool for Business Sustainability
While marketing in and of itself is not a solution to a problem, it can successfully act as a business sustainer; a bridge to building lifetime relationships with consumers. It is an ongoing conversation and not a one-time announcement. It is engaging, interactive and compels the consumer audience to maintain a relationship with your brand.
Most business owners focus on one single aspect of marketing: sales. It is true that increased sales are a beneficial component of a great marketing strategy. You can offer the best product on the market, but it will not sustain your business if no one knows about it. Customers need to be informed and they need to be compelled.
Getting new customers is always the number one concern for many businesses, however, they are not the sole aspect of any company. In fact, great marketing via outlets such as social media and email can act as a means by which to not only broaden your reach and connect with new clientele. New customer engagement is equally important as established customer engagement.
Elements of Succesful Marketing
Successful marketing hinges on the entrepreneur’s willingness to take an active role. But let’s be honest you only have so much time. Business owners would be wise not to assume a hands-off approach. Research must be done in order to best equip your marketing agency to adequately perform and that is where your part time marketing manager comes in.
- They learn about basics such as the demand for your product and how to communicate with clients. Looking at how you deliver a great product consistently and help you plan your recourse for dissatisfied customers?
- Communication: how will you communicate? Can you convince clients to stick with you no matter what? How can you continually remind them of your presence/product? How do you convince consumers that your business is better than your competition? What makes your business worth their loyalty? Get experienced professional help to answer these questions.
- They learn your clientele and the market.
Summary:
Ultimately, you are responsible for keeping the engine running. While reputable marketing firms are skilled in working with hundreds of clients who operate hundreds of different businesses. They are selling services and while it should be in their best interest to ensure their part of your marketing strategy is working it doesn’t always work out like that. You need someone you can trust that helps you get the clarity you need to hit your business goals. The success of your business depends on YOU as you financially commit to the success of your business, plan and strategize, manage daily operations, provide customer service, hire employees, cast a vision, and implement the steps to achievement. Hiring one of our part time marketing managers to help you communicate your vision, product(s), and services to public consumers as communicated by you.
