As we begin the new year, we’ve been thinking a lot about how to make a big impact at a great value through marketing in 2016.
There are so many changing, evolving and brand new tools and opportunities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s what I still see as an intuitive base: it’s still all about people.
So, how do we leverage that intuitive piece of knowledge? Get out there and meet real people. Connect in an authentic way with those people and find out how to help them.
There are so many ways to think about “getting out there and connecting with real people.” Here’s a working list:
- Use technology to find opportunities, meet people, mine contacts, etc. and then…
- Go to networking events or similar settings to connect in person and carry over your online connections.
- Consider utilizing a Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) to help you record and follow up on your contacts and connections systematically.
- Give something away of value—your expertise is a great giveaway.
- Give away a sample of what you do or know in the form of knowledge shared on your website or blog, in a scheduled webinar or on social media.
- Become an expert in your field and space by asserting who you are. Remember, your knowledge base is AMAZING—even if you don’t want to believe that or are too close to it to realize it.
- Create a lead magnet related to your product or service. Consider a free informational whitepaper, exclusive coupon or short ebook. Publicize this on your website to allow interested parties to “raise their hand” if they’re interested in your work.
- Start a digital or in-person meet-up group on a topic related to your business.
- Facebook Groups or LinkedIn Groups are places to share your expertise and be a magnet for people interested in learning more about what you’re selling and doing.
- Meetup.com or Facebook Events can provide an outlet for those physically close to you to find, network and become aware of what you do and sell.
- Also consider finding these kinds of groups to just JOIN.
- Utilize social media, but be selective and make it a point to test the waters.
- Narrow your efforts to one to three social media outelts.
- Match your business and target market. For instance, if you’re a photographer, you’ll want to consider using Instagram. If you’re a craft person, Pinterest may be a better fit initially.
- Test various kinds of postings including free/built-in and paid posts or ads. Facebook Ads are very interesting targeted marketing options which can be cost effective—but you must venture into these efforts with intention and a plan so you’re able to understand what works and what does not. If it works, do more of it.
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