Simple Marketing for your Small Business

Marketing. Simple or complex, it is a necessary part of growing your business. Here are some myths that can be overcome with some simple Marketing Solutions.

Myth #1 - Figuring out where to Market is Hard
A photographer that I know was recently developing a portfolio of videos to enhance her services that she provides. She created a video of her child's preschool Christmas party. She shared it with the rest of the preschool parents through email. Some parents enjoyed her video and contacted her to use her services. So, from a video she was creating for her own memories, she developed new business and new revenues, from a relatively low amount of investment on her part.

Moral of the story - Marketing does not have to be complicated. It can be as simple as contacting your own network. Keep your message consistent, and the new business will find you.

Myth #2- Marketing is Expensive
Another business that I know is trying to develop his renovation business. He has been advertising at the back of a local newspaper. He has now stopped, as this advertising  has produced few leads. He does not have a website. He does not have a business Instagram or Facebook account, but he has a personal account for both. 

Moral of the story - Marketing does not have to be expensive. Taking photos of the work that you have completed and posting your story to your social media accounts are vital to growing new business. If you are able to open a personal social media account, learn to open your business social media accounts. This is the digital age. If you are going to do paper advertising, make sure you have your digital stories to back it up. 

Myth #3 - You can Only Market at Networking Events
I am marketing my business all the time. You do not have to attend a networking event to market your business. Business cards are the easiest way to market your business. I hand out my business cards all the time. Even if a person is not looking for my services, I give them my business card because you never know where your next client is going to come from. My business card is unique, and has a story. I also use my business card in my client packages that I provide when my services are completed. It is part of my brand. It is part of the message that I want to project about my company.

Moral of the story - Hand out your business cards everywhere. Make sure your information is up to date. Also, ensure your business cards are consistent with your brand. You don't need a logo to have a business card, you just need to have a business card! 

Myth #4 - My Personal Social Media Brand does not matter to my Business Brand
When you own your business, your personal brand is the SAME AS your business brand. Many times, I have seen small business owners who make comments on a Community Facebook page, that make me not want to support their small business. It may be your opinion, but your personal opinions are now tied to your business. Especially when you advertise your business in this same Facebook group!  

Moral of the story - Your opinion is your opinion and that's fine. However, be aware of how your personal opinions, are now part of your personal brand. If your personal brand is not consistent with your business brand, you will lose new business.

These are just a few simple marketing techniques you can use to grow your business. Always remember - You are the Brand for your Small Business. Be Consistent and you can make your Small Business work for you.

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