As business owners age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming that what worked for you in the past will work today. If you’re not careful, this assumption can lead to your failure to take advantage of the changing marketing landscape and losing ground to younger businesses with fresher ideas and newer strategies. Local Marketing Center presents some of the most effective marketing techniques that senior business owners like you should start using today to stay competitive in your local marketplace.
Networking
As a senior, you probably have a network you’ve built over time. People are more likely to do business with you if they like and trust you. Spending time building a relationship with your customers will make it easier when they need something from you. If you’re already networking regularly, don’t let those connections wither away.
Asking for Referrals
People love to talk about themselves, and people love to talk about their business. Referrals from current customers are some of the best leads you can get, as these people have already heard your pitch and were impressed enough to pass it on. They’re a little more qualified than a cold lead, and they come with an implicit recommendation from someone they trust.
Designing a Website
Aesthetics are one of many important factors when it comes to your business’s website. Visitors aren’t just interested in seeing what you do — they want to know how you can help them. Because of that, it’s important to consider every element on your site: Each word on a page, each image and design choice, everything from color scheme to structure can impact whether or not someone decides to click through.
Basic Guidelines For Using Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool that can help grow your brand and generate leads. Decide which social media platforms are best suited to your business. Use consistent branding across all platforms. Keep your content focused on your customers’ interests, not just yours. Post at regular intervals throughout each day, but never spam. Use a strong call-to-action to entice users to go to your website or call you directly.
Local SEO Strategies
If you want to be found in local search results, there are some options:
- Optimize your website to show up organically
- Pay for local advertising in Google Ads
- Participate in local online business listings
- Use Google My Business
Giving Something Away Free
If you’re looking to bring in new customers, one great way to do so is by offering something away free. People are more likely to try out your product or service if they don’t have to spend any money upfront—and once they try it, they might become long-term customers.
Earning an MBA
In many industries, an MBA can serve as a gold-standard business credential. Getting your master’s degree can help you understand all aspects of running a company, from profit and loss statements to managing a team. Consider an online MBA program if time or location is an issue. An online course gives you the flexibility to balance your existing schedule with learning. Things you can learn are:
- Economics
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Strategic Planning
Ever-Changing Marketing Technology
Effective marketing is imperative to running a successful business. As a senior business owner, you’ll need to keep up with ever-changing marketing technology. Visit Local Marketing Center for more business and marketing help. You can get ideas from this link: https://creately.com/blog/marketing/how-to-do-a-competitive-analysis/
Written by Carleen Moore
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