By Chelsea Lamb
Starting your own business can be exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time, but if you learn how to market yourself in the right way, it can become much more rewarding than stressful. Read on to discover how to market your business as an older entrepreneur.
1. Create a Great Website
If you don’t have a professional website already, it’s time to get one. Websites can be effective marketing tools, allowing you to drive traffic to your business and speak directly to consumers interested in what you have to offer. An appealing site also provides an easy way for others — from investors to employees — to learn more about your company, product, or service.
2. Search Engine Optimization
One cost-effective (and often overlooked) technique is search engine optimization. This involves using keywords, meta tags, and other features strategically on your website so that Google and other search engines rank your site higher when someone searches for keywords related to your business.
3. Get Referrals From Business Owners
Asking business owners to refer you to their friends and colleagues is a good way to market. Reach out via email or phone, and let them know about your new business idea. Offer them something in return (perhaps some free services) if they can get you an introduction to someone who may be interested in working with you.
4. Use LinkedIn as a Marketing Tool
If you're looking to develop a brand and grow your professional network in Washington, there’s no better tool than LinkedIn. With over 810 million members, LinkedIn provides professionals with several opportunities to enhance their online presence and market themselves effectively through relationships. Posting blogs on topics related to your industry is a great way to promote yourself and get involved in group discussions. Connecting with people who have similar interests helps build your network and position you as an expert in your field.
5. Offer Free Product Samples
Providing potential customers with samples or coupons that allow them to try your product without committing to a full-size purchase is an easy way to get people interested in your business. Potential customers are typically cautious about spending money on a product or service they’ve never tried before, so offering free products can help ease their anxiety and get them more comfortable with your business.
6. Learn Where to Focus Your Efforts
Begin by creating a marketing plan. Think about ways to promote your product or service and where you can reach potential customers. The target market refers to those people who are most likely to buy your product or service because they want what it offers.
Decide on a variety of ways to reach your target market. Consider social media, networking, and content marketing. Ask potential or current customers how they found you. Their answers may tell you where to focus your marketing efforts.
Effective Marketing
These strategies are equally helpful for older entrepreneurs who've been in business for a while and newer business owners looking to be more effective with their marketing. If you haven’t had any luck marketing your small business before, try these ideas out, and see what works best for you.
Visit Compass & Clock, based in Washington, for retirement guides and resources.
Article Written by:
Chelsea Lamb
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