When it comes to starting a new business or growing your current business, marketing is key in meeting your goals. There are many ways to market. In this post, you’re going to learn about some basic marketing skills that work well for both brand new businesses and businesses poised to expand. Also, keep in mind that this list certainly is not all inclusive. You should certainly continue to research and implement additional ways to get your business in front of your target audience. Let’s start with some easy to implement basics!
Customer Service
Customer service is important no matter what industry you are in. If customers aren’t happy with the service they receive, they most likely won’t return. Making a good first impression with your customer service can pave the way for clients to come back again and again to your company. Customers are the reason we get paid to do what we do, so keeping them happy pays the bills.
Customer service isn’t just about creating a good first impression. It’s a continual need for your business. All of your customers should feel special. Consider training your employees and contractors in a concept known as total quality management (TQM). This management concept highlights the fact that customer service is everyone’s job and that every client should receive quality care. Finally, it emphasizes that it is each individual client who determines what is considered quality.
Define Your Target Markets
Does your business cater to other businesses or individuals? Both? Do you focus on small projects or the big picture? Do you provide services or goods? These answers can help you find more clients by allowing you to market in specific areas for those you are targeting. If you cater to individuals, you most likely won’t be advertising in the Wall Street Journal, but you could consider the local newspaper. If you cater to big businesses, a classified in a small-town gazette might not be as helpful as targeting industry-specific newspapers, magazines, journals, and proper promotion through social media. By knowing who your target markets are, you can create a specific plan to reach more of it.
Be an Expert in Your Field
Knowing what you are doing is good but being an expert at what you do is great! Specializing in one or two areas of your field and advertising for it will narrow down the searches potential clients will find. Your company is more likely to be contacted when there are fewer businesses to choose from that specialize in what you do. People like experts! Also, being an expert in your field can increase your revenue.
Make Your Mission Clear
Many clients look at the mission of a business to determine if that business is the right choice for them. Choose your mission statement carefully and include it in your marketing and advertising. You can even shorten your mission statement and turn it into a slogan for your company. Being clear, concise, and to the point with your mission statement will help clients know what to expect from your company from the beginning.
Keep in Contact with Former Clients
There are many ways you can stay in contact with former clients. Two of the most common ways (that are also fairly quick and easy) are a mailing list and an email newsletter. Let your past customers know what is new with your business, such as new products or services, current discount offers, or every day services that maybe get looked over by the bigger offers your company has. Make sure your customers, both past and present, have a convenient way to contact you to set up an appointment or meeting.
Let Clients ARM Help You Take Great Care of Your Clients
Clients ARM helps businesses of any size take the best possible care of their clients. With more than 30 years of experience working with service-related businesses, including architects and lawyers, we would love to help your business. Contact us today for a consultation, free of charge, to see how Clients ARM can help you.
