Marketing is the driving force behind every business. But the term itself seems to have become this overwhelming beast. Small businesses that do not understand marketing may begin to fear it.
It does not have to be this way. Marketing is actually a lump term for activities such as public relations. Even advertising. So why does it matter so much to your small business? Well here are 5 reasons to cover why your business needs marketing.
Let’s start with the big one:
It is how people find you
Let’s face it. Without some form of marketing, no one will ever hear about your business. Things like a sign in front of your business are marketing. Now, of course, there are 2 kinds of marketing strategy:
Strategies like your sign out front, or vehicle lettering are passive. You sit back and hope to have someone find you. A basic listing in a phone book also fits in this section.
Active marketing strategies are ones like Facebook ads. Or networking meetings at the local chamber. Any activity that you put an effort in (time, money, etc) is active marketing.
Marketing gets you in the game
Without marketing your business will not have a leg to stand on when it comes to competition. But as people will not be able to find you, no competitors will know about you. And you will not be able to target them. It is also healthy to have competitors. Don’t believe me? Check out this article on having competition.
To fight competition, you have to seek them out and stake your claim or territory. But here is the cool thing. As a small business, you can outmaneuver your bigger competition. The attention to a single individual will outpace anyone larger.
It drives sales to your business
Marketing all boils down to getting your business found. If you are never found, you will not make any sales at all. Potential clients find you through your marketing efforts. And those clients are the lifeline of your business.
Keep in mind here that clients will be judging your business by your marketing as well. Do it right and do it well. Don’t cut corners or produce poor marketing efforts. This will only lead to clients thinking the same about your product or service: that it’s poor.
Marketing builds a path to growth
Do you have goals for your business? I would bet that you do. And if you are like most small business owners, you want to grow and expand your business. To do that you need marketing.
Everything you do with marketing lays the foundations for the future. Social media, websites, and email foster a relationship that can last a long time. Take care of those relationships.
Designs brand awareness
Marketing will create a strong and stable brand name. That brand will become a trusted source. Once people build that trust, it will be easier to make sales. People do business with those they know, like and trust. Marketing is the way in.
Keep in mind here that marketing starts with business cards. Then comes the website, social media outlets and more. Handshakes of personal nature, then digital handshakes. All driving towards one goal: Connecting your business with clients and making sales.
Does marketing feel a little less scary? It should. With these 5 simple reasons, you should feel empowered. Now get your marketing efforts in order and start growing your business today.
