Marketing tips for Canberra small businesses
Marketing your small business doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. The Comms Chicks offer a wide range of services tailored to your budget and needs. However, we know not every business is in the financial position to invest in great comms. So, we’ve prepared this short guide that can be easily followed by any business owner.
Write clear, simple messages
Can your customers easily understand your service offer? While the buzz words and flashy content can look good online, it’s always a good idea to start out with a simplified explanation of what you do, in plain language to reduce confusion. Cut out the jargon. Australian buyers expect practical, easy to implement communication that leads to real outcomes. Take a few minutes to think about your key deliverables and answer these simple questions:
What do you do?
Who is it for?
Why is it better?
Once you nail these, the rest of your messages will easily flow.
Build your digital footprint
We live in an online world. If your business doesn’t have a strong digital presence, you’ll easily get lost and customers won’t come through your door.
Website: building a website is relatively simple – there are many platform options where you can build and host your own domain for the cost of a new outfit. Remember to keep the site mobile friendly, be clear about your offer (see hints above), and include your contact details.
Google business profile: an easy (and free!) option that all businesses should utilise. Profiles are essential for local searches and a great place to include photos, list business hours and services offered. Make sure you ask customers to leave you a review and when they do, it’s always great to respond and thank them. While you are there, feel free to review our business too!
Social media: while not essential, it’s a great idea to make sure you are on at least one platform to retain and attract customers. Businesses are regularly tagged on community notice board posts when people are seeking recommendations, and really, social media is just an extension of word of mouth. Over 73% of all social media users have a Facebook account (source), so why not go where the people are?
The golden rule of any digital presence is to be consistent. Use the same name, address and contact information across all platforms, and try not to deviate too widely in social media usernames.
Do more with less tools
You don’t need every marketing tool ever invented to improve your customer positioning. Select high value tools to solve your top problems.
A quality customer relationship management tool to maintain customer leads and contact details.
Email system so customers have a point of contact.
Choose a website platform that offers email marketing for newsletters, analytics and an online shopfront if this is part of your service offer.
Tap and Go payment system that also includes appointment bookings and reminders.
Keep it local and get help when you need it
Use local channels to promote your business or service, like HerCanberra, Riotact, or any of the top Canberra radio stations. Don’t forget the value of a community notice board – whether that be online or at the local shops. These are often the first places people visit for recommendations and to find a ‘local person who can help’.
Bring in a communications consultant, like The Comms Chicks, when you’re launching, rebranding, facing a complex issue, or making a big change that needs staff and customer buy in. Our specialist knowledge can help you through any hurdle and we offer service levels tailored to your needs and budget.
There you have it: four simple tips to help you get started. The fun doesn’t stop there though and there are always opportunities to grow your marketing profile. Give The Comms Chicks a call today to see where we can help you.
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