“I’m going to build it and they will come” is a popular slogan so many businesses start with. In one hand it’s a cool motto because it encourages entrepreneurs to not complicate things and just get started. On the other hand it’s a cruel philosophy responsible for the demise of many a great startup.
The main thing that line of thinking is lacking – in my opinion – is an emphasis on the importance of marketing.
Without some form of marketing, it is near impossible to gain worthwhile traction in a competitive marketplace with the ever decreasing span of attention. And so today I want to share with you a few effective platforms to market yourself online, to promote your business, to build a niche brand, etc.
#1. Google
When I first got started in internet marketing (nearly 20 years ago), I was intrigued by the idea of ranking top 3 on Google for my desired search phrases. I figured I’d be rich if I managed to do so.
One thing I did not know at the time was just how competitive (and consequently expensive) trying to rank on top of Google can get. I also did not realize just how long it can take. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) definitely is something worth pursuing if you own a website, but keep in mind that it will take time, energy, and a bit of know-how.
To learn more about SEO and how you can immediately implement some basic strategies to start ranking better on search engines, check out an article I wrote – here!
#2. Twitter
“Every business must have a twitter account” they say, and therefor most bigger businesses do. Even if for no other reason than for damage control. Nothing worse than negative publicity getting out of hand on social media, right?
But what if you could also leverage twitter to grow your business? I know most small business owners would argue they don’t have time for twitter, but in the words of Elon Musk “5 minutes here and there” is all you really need.
Install the twitter app on your phone and set up your account. Search for issues you or your business provide solutions for, and leave a short but thoughtful comment. And – 0f course – make a (niche related) thought provoking tweet as often as you can.
For example: If you own a plumbing business, maybe hint at how often hot water tanks need to be checked, replaced, etc. Or how a pipe upgrade in older homes can save fortunes from potential water damage, etc.
Of course make sure you have your website, email, or phone number listed in your profile so you can be reached by your preferred contact method.
Here are 11 more twitter marketing tips to get you started!
#3. Facebook
Facebook is another hugely under-utilized marketing platform. Although I find people tend to be more reserved on Facebook than on twitter, you have the added benefit that you can create groups or pages dedicated to your business. So there is definitely an added sense of community in that!
Similar to any other marketing platform, the key to winning at Facebook marketing is consistency. That goes for both: sharing new content as well as engaging with the people commenting on said content.
If you want to learn more about how to drastically grow your business using an engaged Facebook audience, I HIGHLY recommend you check out this Grow Your Audience course.
My wife took the course for her business and was quickly able to grow her Facebook page audience to over 100,000. You can read her review here!
#4. Instagram
Just about everyone carries a cellphone with them these days that has a half decent camera. If this is you, Instagram might be one of the easiest marketing platforms you can use with minimal effort. Just snap a picture or two while working, and post it on Instagram when you have a minute to do so.
One thing I might recommend for Instagram is to keep a list of the top used #hashtags (for your niche topic) on your phone somewhere that you can quickly copy paste into your description when posting the pictures. This greatly speeds up the posting process and helps you reach more targeted people.
The main thing here? Post something consistently (daily). Don’t worry about trying to make professional looking pictures. You get better over time. Just keep at it and you will start building a community that is attracted to what product or service you’re offering.
#5. TikTok
The thing I love about marketing on TikTok is that you can share short video clips. These videos can be of you talking, showing off work you’re doing, etc. Literally anything!
I know it can feel weird getting in front of a camera, but honestly it’s not a big deal. Just do it. Aim to get to 100 posts and you’re pretty much guaranteed to start seeing some traction.
TikTok is probably one of the best places to market on if you’re trying to target a younger audience, but these days just about everyone is on it… and the reach potential is absolutely humongous!
Things to Keep in Mind
No one starts out as an expert marketer. So don’t let a lack of skill, tools, money, etc. hold you back. You can only get better with practice. So the sooner you start your marketing journey, the sooner you’ll master the craft!
As with anything, you won’t see results overnight. So keep showing up – daily – doing what you can, and the results will start compounding before long.
Also, if you’re going to be marketing on multiple social media platforms, remember that you can often repurpose the same content for all (or most) of them.
Hire Professionals
More often than not it’s easier to just hire professionals to take care of the marketing for you. Especially if you have zero interest in doing it yourself and have extra cash to put towards marketing.
If you have a clear idea of what you are looking to do or get done, you just might be able to find someone on UpWork. Heck, there are even social media management companies on there that would be happy to take your business.
If outsourcing to a marketing company is the route you’d like to go or if you have any questions before you get started, hit me up. I’d do my best to point you in the right direction!