How to Get Started With Your Small Business Marketing

Whether you’re in the idea stage or have already started your business — the key to staying top of mind with customers is consistent marketing.

Marketing is daunting when it isn’t your chosen profession. So here are 7 ways to get started:

1. Create social media accounts
A very simple step one — set yourself up. If you plan to use your personal account for communication as your business, make any necessary edits to your profile or past posts to showcase yourself professionally.

If you’re starting from scratch, create your logo (some easy logo tools: Canva, Free Logo Design, Logo Makr, Logo Maker, Logo Crisp), upload your logo as a profile photo, create any additional graphics you need. And add in your information — how to contact you, what service you provide, your mission, values, methodology and expertise.

2. Read up on industry news
The next thing to do is get in the habit of knowing what’s going on in your industry. Is your industry affected by new laws and policies, governing body regulations, scientific studies, and national consensuses? How does the news affect you, your business, or your customers?

LinkedIn will showcase trending news in your industry that you can then share or comment on.

3. Follow peers or thought leaders in your field
Pay attention to your peers and industry leaders. What are they talking about? How are you they talking about it? What types of posts are they sharing that get the most engagement and commentary? Take notes of what you think they do well or don’t do well.

Some of the most engaged with content comes from storytelling.

4. Join organizations or groups of your peers
Similarly, join any group or organization that makes sense for your business. Are there governing bodies or associations, journals or periodicals that you can become a member of or subscribe to?

Over 1 million people are part of this group on LinkedIn.

5. Follow customers conversations about pain points and needs
What are you solving for your customers? In order to speak to them in a way that resonates and shows that you understand their needs — join or read comments and articles about your industry. Being able to regurgitate what your customers need back to them is a key component to quality service.

Freelancers and small businesses are broadcasting their frustrations and questions on social media.

6. Start with these 2 posts
Once you’ve done this initial set up and research, start lightly sharing.

• Share 1 piece of interesting news with your respectful opinion, opening the door to a conversation with peers and potential customers. This shows that . you’re thinking about the industry at large.
• Share 1 piece of helpful information based on what you see to be your customer’s biggest pain points and needs.

7. Enter conversations
The point of social media and marketing is to start conversations or join them. You may be surprised at first at how many people engage with you… it’s okay to talk to strangers — this is marketing.

Marketing is a lot of work. But you’re not expected to do everything all the time. By breaking off your work load into little chunks, you can achieve it.