When selling a product, marketing usually comes fairly easy. Your marketing campaign revolves around the product for sale and how it can be used.
When you own a service-based business, the marketing may require a different approach. Instead of marketing product features, you have to market yourself and your team. The good news is, people are always looking for reliable services, no matter the type. You just need to make sure they find you and not your competitors. Here are some techniques that will help you accomplish this.
1] Connect with Your Own Community
Established local businesses have their own clientele. And, they may only be able to handle a certain number of clients. So, if you treat these businesses respectfully, they may refer clients to you when they are at their capacity. A good way to connect with your community is to be involved with the local Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce. These associations will connect you with other businesses that welcome assistance from a peer.
2] Use Social Media and Networking
By now you’ve probably created your business website. Now, you need to consider establishing your presence on Social Media. Starting with each of the following will give you a strong foothold:
- Facebook Business Page
- Twitter Account
- LinkedIn profile
There are a number of other social networks out there you may also find suitable. Once your pages are all set up, stay on top of them. This can be achieved by responding to customer inquiries, posting valuable information, and providing relevant updates.
As you cultivate this audience, you will build a following that will continue to reach more and more people over time.
3] Offer Incentives
Customers like to take advantage of a good deal. Special promotions are a great way to let them. While a promotion might cut into your profits initially if it brings in new customers the payoff could be worth it. You need to make sure you find a balance between your pricing needs and your customer’s idea of a good deal. You can even utilize your Social Media presence to promote your incentives without extra cost to you.
4] Empower Your Clients
Often with services, the service providers have so much control over how the service is provided, this can sometimes cause a feeling of detachment for the clients. To prevent this separation, try to make your clients feel involved in the process by underlining their significance in the process and reducing the visible influence of your own position.
5] Stock Up on Business Cards
Even within the Digital Age, business cards are still a valuable tool, especially if you are an individual or small business. You can network with other local businesses, asking if you can leave a stack of cards in their lobbies. You can also pass them out to other business owners at networking events, social engagements, and class reunions. They can also be passed from customer to customer the way word-of-mouth advertising is accomplished. These days you can even get your first set the same day by taking advantage of in-store printers, like the ones found at Staples and Office Depot.
In the long run, the success of your business will depend on the quality of your services. Here we’ve provided a few easy ways to get your marketing and your service-based business off the ground and increase your ability to communicate what you have to offer to a potential client.
For more ideas on how to market your service business check out this post at the wix.com blog:
5 Ways to Market Your Service Business Like a Stellar Product
You may find that not all marketing techniques will work with every target market, but, with patience, you will find what methods will work for you and help you develop an effective strategy.
