As a startup, or a small business, it is most likely that you don’t have enough resources and manpower to compete with big brand competitors on a wider scale. However, with technology and the Internet at your side, the game can still be changed — and you now have a chance at exposure, without necessarily spending too much for newspaper, television or radio ads, with online marketing.
Although marketing your startup or small business online costs less compared to advertising in traditional media channels, don’t get intimidated by the term “online marketing” or “digital marketing” because it seems to be an overly technical venture.
Well, it’s true that some strategies might need sufficient technical background and knowledge, but you don’t have to think about that just yet. You don’t have to dive into technical strategies such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO) or use Google Analytics right away while you are still starting to acquaint yourself with online marketing. You should get started with some baby steps first!
1. Set up an official Facebook page (or any Social Media page of choice).
An official Social Media page is a must for any business nowadays. It can be used for many purposes — it could work as a mini blog or website because it can be a source of more information about your business and products, and it could also work as an arm for customer support because you can engage with leads and customers through comments and instant messaging.
Your Social Media of choice should depend on your goals and target market. Most businesses put up a Facebook page because that’s where most people converge online (for now) and it has the widest reach. However, if your business targets mainly the young demographic, Twitter and Instagram are great channels too.
If you want to jumpstart your likes and exposure, you can pay for Facebook/Twitter/Instagram ads. This however entails some cost, but it is a good way to earn more likes and views at the outset — especially if your brand is having a hard time in gaining some traction.
The best thing about setting up a Social Media page is that it is easy and FREE! Actual set-up of your pages don’t come with any fees, you only have to pay for the ads if you want to use a little help in exposure.
Tip: Draw up a content calendar to map out key themes and events to create social media posts around.
2. Establish and maintain a blog.
Blogging gives you another space to provide information and content about your business and products. However, it is not just about that. It is also a place where you can place content that might be useful for your target market — and you can create lengthier and detailed posts here compared to Social Media posts.
Aside from being an information and content hub, another purpose for your blog is to establish website credibility and niche authority. Your blog — if full with quality content with the right keywords, can benefit your website rankings (and make optimization easier for your website once you decide to use SEO strategies). You can also raise your credibility and authority in the industry — being a good source of information and how-tos. This is how you can earn trust from your customers, and even gain their loyalty.
Tip: Download yoast SEO plugin into your blog for instant tips on strengthening your blogposts on the keywords you want.
3. Extend your online marketing content via guest posting and online press releases.
Having your own blog or website is not enough, you also have to partner up with other blogs and sites to boost your visibility. You don’t have to concentrate all the informative content on your own blog, you can send some to partner blogs and brands that also have good readership around the web.
You can also tap local newspapers who have online pages to feature your new business (like a press release). Through a press release, you don’t just get a news feature about you, but the local paper might even share the story in their own Social Media pages as well — allowing you to reach more audiences within the community alone.
This also serves two purposes — aside from media mileage, it can also help in increasing your site rankings and web optimization.
Tip: Your blog’s SEO will be easier if you have backlinks from trusted and related websites around the Internet via guest posts and online features.
— –
See, you don’t have to bring out the techs right away to start up your online marketing agenda. Like the business itself, start small! Start with online activities and goals that are doable, and do it with consistency and relevance.
Online marketing is also the most affordable way to market your startup or small business, especially if you want to focus your capital on perfecting your product or services, hiring the right people or leasing the office space of your dreams.
Author Bio:
Gemma Reeves is a seasoned writer who enjoys creating helpful articles and interesting stories. She has worked with several clients across different industries such as advertising, online marketing, technology, healthcare, family matters, and more. She is also an aspiring entrepreneur who is engaged in assisting other aspiring entrepreneurs in finding the best office space for their business.
Check out her company here: FindMyWorkspace