Whether your business is large or small, whether you rely on an active sales force or advertise so that customers will come to you, marketing is an essential part of bringing in new customers. And, when you’re marketing, sometimes getting back to basics is the best way to keep your strategy strong. There are many must-have marketing tips—these are four of our favorites.
1. Plan Ahead—No, Farther Ahead
Businesses large and small know the value of planning ahead, but in marketing you might want to plan ahead farther than you think! Thinking several months in advance will ensure that you have the time necessary to create ads, get photographs for social media posts, and get your talking points ready. Not only will this ensure that you are ready, it also means that you won’t be in a pinch if you are approaching a deadline and one of your customers comes to you with a pressing concern.
Need an idea for what to do? Look no further than your suppliers’ marketing calendars. Not only do many of your suppliers—including Navitor—give you a look ahead at what products will be on display in the coming months, some offer free sales tools that you can use to give your marketing a boost.
2. Don’t Just Say What You Can Do—Show It Off
Do you have great quality print? A picture—or a sample—is worth a thousand words. Do you offer a wide variety of products? A digital catalog will show your customers just how wide your selection goes. Do you promise friendly service? Have your smile ready for when customers walk through the door. Showing your customers the value you offer them will help make that value more real and get them more emotionally involved in the purchase.
3. Keep the Audience in Mind—It’s Your Customer
It can be tempting to think about what you want when marketing your business, but remember that anything you send out to your customers has to speak to what they want and need. Your marketing is about showing your customer that the print pieces you offer are the solution to their problem, whether they know it or not. By thinking about how your customer would feel about what you’re saying, you will ensure that you’re always speaking to those needs.
4. Don’t Leave them Hanging—Always Have a Next Step
Having a clear call to action is a common suggestion when you’re building your marketing pieces, and there’s a reason it’s essential. Whether you want your customer to head to your website, give you a call, or wait for your email once you’ve got their order quoted, knowing what comes next will help keep up your marketing momentum.
And what’s your next step? We’d love to see your must-have marketing tips in the comments below.
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