Never before in the history of business have the tools, technology and timing being so perfectly aligned in the sector of business marketing. Branding and visibility unite to make a formidable team, raising business profiles and establishing small players as forces to be reckoned with.
Some things however, don’t change.
Impressing potential clients through exceptional customers service backed up by a quality product will always be mainstays in building and maintaining a consistent customer base.
The difference now is, gaining that first tentative foothold into a crowded market, requires a combined approach to branding whilst incorporating digital marketing.
By using a combination of traditional and contemporary marketing techniques, this can be achieved and successful sales should naturally follow.
Branding
Before beginning discussions regarding online marketing platforms, it pays to note that even in this day and age, branding involves more than a fancy website and striking logo. 45% of a brand’s image can be attributed to what it says and how it says it.
Personalised promotional products remain strong tools in your arsenal for business branding, keeping your business name firmly in your client’s vision. The most useful products are often the ones which perform a service and are utilised by clients on a day to day basis.
Think:
- Flash drives and cables
- Mouse pads
- Mugs and drinkware
- Laptop bags
- Pens and stationery
- Keyrings
Website
Neglecting or having a poorly designed, difficult to navigate website is a business killer.
On a mobile device, 57% of people will move on, if your website takes more than 3 seconds to load! That’s harsh but it’s a reality.
Going that extra mile to make your customer’s experience a good one can translate to sales and long term relationships. Some of the tools available to raise you above your competition are:
- Virtual assistants
- Exceptional, interactive design
- Easy to navigate online shop
- Secure payment platforms
- Clear, easy to find contact details and forms
Marketing maneuvers
Almost every business seems to have an interactive app you can download.
Offering loyalty rewards to customers through these apps is a great way to ensure return business. Using Muffin Break as an example; they offer such enticements as every 5th coffee free, a free muffin on your birthday and cumulative rewards. It is that type of marketing which can motivate customers to align themselves with a particular brand.
Social media including Facebook, Twitter and the like, are being used as platforms to be seen, share information, be perceived as socially aware and above all, build business brands.
Native content, on-site blogs and creative content can enhance a business’s credibility in the marketplace by showcasing your expertise in your field through informative articles which are not necessarily sales driven. This cloaked marketing can be far more influential on consumer choices than a direct sales approach.
Mobile technology
Your business’s adoption of cutting edge technology via such things as iPad’s and tailored software, can revolutionise a client’s experience.
Using a personal example, I recently called in a company to discuss a house extension. After discussing my requirements and design ideas, the salesman returned within a few days with a computer based 3D virtual mock up of my proposed building works. I was able to walk through the rooms and see them in real time rather than view a one dimensional architectural drawing. It sold me immediately.
Tools such as iPads and tablets can provide salespeople with images, statistics, colour charts and more, all with the touch of a button.
Conferencing, connectivity and collaboration
Impressing your clients with communication and video conferencing technology is surprisingly simple using combinations of hardware and software solutions. Having the facilities in place where your clients can have real time, face-to-face access to you via conferencing facilities enables swift resolution to issues.
Making use of virtual offices in prestigious inner city locations, is a fast growing trend.
These facilities furnish clients with meeting room facilities, hot desks and cutting edge technology, all designed to impress and inspire confidence.
If making an impact on your clients is important to you then arm yourself well.
Using a combined campaign of traditional and modern marketing strategies, you can influence your customer’s choices, build relationships and establish an enviable business brand.