(Newswire.net — April 19, 2016) — Having a strong mobile-friendly website that is optimized for search engines, and accompanying social media accounts, is important for any business – and budgeting the money for consistent online marketing is well worth it.
Online marketing is big business, with 61 percent of consumers saying they research their purchases online first. Branding your business is about more than high dollar, online campaigns though. It’s easy to overlook the simple ways to promote your business that have no dollar signs or online media strategies behind them. Sometimes everyday actions and inexpensive means can bring in new clients and impress the ones you already have.
Take a look at 5 ways to brand your business as you go about your day-to-day routine.
Look professional
Research tells us that you only have seven seconds to make a good first impression. As a result, the way you look plays a big role in how you are perceived by people who have never met you before. You are a direct representation of your business so be sure you look like it. You never know when a business opportunity will present itself and you want to take full advantage of it.
Talk to people in line
Put your phone away and get friendly with the people who are waiting right next to you. Making small talk can present an opportunity to network. Even if it doesn’t, the positive energy you get from an exchange with a new person is a great energy boost. Avoid launching right into sales talk. Just get to know the people who are sharing space in line next to you and see where it leads. It’s great networking practice and could lead to a sale down the road.
Share contact info
Have your contact details ready if someone asks. Carry some business cards with you and download an app that allows you to easily share your contact information electronically. These actions will better ensure that a chance meeting comes with follow up. People may not always want to share their contact details with you but it never hurts to give them yours.
Do business along the way
Have some errands to run? Heading on a vacation? Devise a few stops along the way where you can drop off marketing information. You may even have the opportunity at your destination. The key is to think ahead so you don’t let any simple marketing opportunities pass you by.
Ask questions
The people you encounter in your day-to-day life are your direct link to insights into your customer base. Software technology businessman and world-famous poker player Neil Blumenfield talks about the importance of truly understanding your customer in the piece “Using Business Skills to Win at Poker.” He explains that in both poker and business, getting to know the bigger picture of transactions, and the people connected to them, yields an advantage. Tap into the resource of the people you encounter every day – friends, family, vendors, and strangers – to better build your business marketing strategy.