To a small business owner, every penny counts. Where and how you spend your marketing dollars is a big consideration that can quickly become overwhelming, and it can eat away at your budget if you're not careful. So, how do you know where to start? Here are my rules of thumb when working with businesses as they embark on the great adventure of marketing:
1. Keep it simple. It's easy to get carried away with big, creative ideas, but if it's difficult or too complex, chances are it won't get done.
2. Make it repeatable. Create a marketing program rather than one-off projects. I encourage all of my clients to create a 6 and 12 month plan. Being in front of people - from prospects to partners - on a consistent basis is key.
3. Repurpose. Create a program that allows you to reuse content and messaging, because there is almost never enough time to continually create something new.
4. Reach everyone. A well-rounded marketing program takes anyone you want to build a relationship with into consideration. Think prospects, people who refer business to you, potential employees, people you'd like to have a relationship with and current customers.
5. Add value. Make it your mantra; ask yourself the question before you engage in any marketing: does this bring value to its recipient? People know when they're being marketed to and they don't like it. So, make it a habit to create business relationships based on value.
6. Have a process. Think through all of the steps, from A-B. Some of the best laid plans fall apart because the details are not carefully thought out.
Remember, marketing is a process that constantly evolves. You'll try lots of things that work and many things that don't; have patience and keep your sense of adventure.
Areas of Specialization
Case studies
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Contact Me
Every business is unique and brings with it different goals and challenges. Contact me to schedule an exploratory call at no charge.
Tracy Fitzpatrick
President, Big Fish Alliances
310-218-7380
tfitzpatrick@bigfishalliances.com