With so much focus on what you can’t do at the moment, how about focusing on what you CAN do, right now, to keep your business top of mind with those who matter most – your clients.
Consciously dedicating time to your marketing is always important, not just during a pandemic. But since we’re in one, changing things up and creating points of difference is essential.
This article looks at FIVE key actions you can implement now to let existing and prospective clients know you’re open for business. Being seen and heard will help ensure you’re fast out of the blocks when COVID lockdowns and the general COVID fatigue many clients are feeling, begins to lift.
1. Social media
If you’ve been an inconsistent social media user, now is the time to:
- Update your profiles and ensure they’re branded consistently
- Choose a content approach that suits your business
- Implement a posting schedule
- Update your security settings
Social media is the fastest way to get in front of clients. Liking and sharing other people’s posts is great, but if you don’t have a dedicated strategy with meaningful insights, business updates and community messages, it’s likely that you’re missing out on key opportunities to engage.
2. Update your website
Your website is your number one marketing resource. It’s the first place prospective clients will go to find out about you, and all your other resources should link back to it.
If your website visitors are reading out of date information, they will be less likely to call on you for assistance. Dedicating some time to briefing a marketing communication professional to write fresh content and upload it for you will be an affordable and worthwhile investment.
3. Send emails
The humble email is still one of the most useful and effective marketing tools available to you, and the data continually backs this up. While there’s been plenty of debate over whether social media or email is more effective, the truth is you need both.
There are many low-cost email marketing programs that make it easy to manage your database, create appealing templates and track who has engaged with your content. There’s a bit of know-how involved, however, which may be beyond the capacity of your in-house team.
4. Ask for Google reviews
Favourable Google reviews not only show that your business is trusted and reputable – they also help to boost your business’s position in Google search results.
While retail businesses tend to receive plenty of reviews, they tend to be less forthcoming for professionals. This can be a good thing, as you can take control and focus on quality over quantity. Reach out to a few clients who you know have been happy with your services, and chances are they’ll be more than happy to write you a 5-star review.
If you’re unsure how to ask for a review or how to guide your clients in posting reviews, please contact us for a copy of our How to Ask for a Google Review guide.
5. Update your professional profile
Is your professional profile doing you justice? Is it a genuine expression of your credentials and experience, the clients you’re most able to help and your good character? If any of these elements are lacking, it might be time to revisit your professional profile.
People do business with those they know, like and trust. You can help them arrive there by ensuring your profile has:
- A recent professional photograph (this helps with the ‘know’ part)
- Some insight into your character and how you can help (‘like’)
- Your qualifications, experience and key areas of expertise (‘trust’)
Next steps…
If you don’t have time to implement these suggestions, think of who in your business might be able to assist you. If it’s beyond their capacity, please reach out and we will be happy to help.
See if there’s wiggle room in your marketing budget. While it’s important to remain cost conscious, some marketing expenses are fundamental to your survival.
While we all need to practice social distancing, finding ways to communicate with your clients will mean you don’t end up client distancing too.
Please give us a call on (07) 5477 0197 or email marketing@boldcorp.com.au
For more information please visit www.boldcorp.com.au
