You have a brilliant idea that is going to gain the market, you have found the right partners and you have prepared all the documents for declaring yourself proud CEO of a startup . And now ?
Now you have to make money! And how to do it, if not just making effective marketing?
Today, also thanks to the web and the beloved social network, promoting a product or a service can be less expensive than you think!
Here are some useful tips on how to do effective marketing, not spending too much.
1. Tell Your Story
The first step to do is to write a press release and send it with all your enthusiasm to newspapers, magazines, television, radio and any means of communication you can think that could be interested in your industry and in your target.
But sending it thousands of times will be useless if the press release is not written as it should be : the title and the subject need to attract attention, get to the point quickly, and tell your story in the most compelling way.
2. Participate in Events, Fairs, Conferences
I know that renting a space at a trade show can be expensive, but it is the best way to present your company to the right people.
Of course, given some tight budgets, you should well consider what is the biggest event for you, in order to bet your money on the winning horse.
Once there, be sure to distribute promotional materials, in a colorful and innovative way, meet people, networking, and do not go away unnoticed!
3. Be on the Web
Well, if you have a business, then you must have a website!
I guess you already know that it has to be modern, preferably responsive and you have to work hard on it, in order to positionate it well on search engines.
Be sure to prefer a simple and clear design, do not forget to include all the necessary contacts and information about you and your product.
You may want to not wait the organic traffic and start right away receiving a lot of visitors, gaining visibility with Google Adwords, or other pay-per-click programs.
It’s a simple and sometimes not so expensive investment to drive a lot of potential buyers to your site.
4. Be Direct
You can choose to send a direct message to a targeted and well-defined audience, for example, with email marketing.
Of course, the design of email marketing campaigns may be complex and many emails could be erased even before being opened, but you can obtain a good open-rate and click-rate, with just some tricks .
Personalize your emails, make them short and funny and choose the right time of sending : you will see that the results will soon arrive!
5. Make Sure You Are in the List
Just think of online directories nowadays.
Be sure to be present in places where your target of people should be looking.
Choose well the category and find ways to ensure that your ad stand out among the myriad of messages of companies similar to yours.
6. Prove to Be Good
Whether you want to show your name on the uniform of the local football team or sponsor a national charity event, it is important to be present and show that you have something to say.
A small investment can position your company in a positive way in your community : it is a great opportunity to do well by doing good actions.
7. Take Care of Your Customers
You can organize a contest and give discounts or promotional materials such as t-shirts, mugs or pens.
This can be useful to generate brand awareness and bring a little traffic to your fanpage on social networks.
8. Work on Branding
You should work hard on your branding, both personal or company brand.
Update your portfolio, take care of your social accounts (especially to LinkedIn) and be sure to have a presence online.
In short, people should know about You!
9. Make Friends
Nowadays you’re not the only one struggling to be heard. Find local companies similar to yours, that cater to your own target (but, of course, that are not competitors) and enter into a partnership, so you can receive both benefits.
Do you both have a blog? Then exchange guest posts.
Advertise each other on social networking sites or in newsletters , offering advice and suggestions in order to grow together.
10. Offer Knowledge
First, create a blog related to your site, in which, however, you do not have to just talk about your product.
Write how-to articles, talk about events you participated, give suggestions and write about everything that happens in your industry.
You will attract more visitors on your website and you will have more chances to convert them into customers.
And you?
What kind of strategy do you use for your marketing?
Please share your experience adding a comment below, thanks!