NEW! Marketing Blog
Marketing tips. Just two words, but behind them a whole heap of opportunities. Things to do; things to do differently; and things to do better. All of which can make a whole heap of difference to your business.
So where to start…. By keeping it simple. And that’s my first marketing tip. Marketing can be simple if you make it so. Over-complicating it will lead your eye off the ball, and when you’ve got a business to run and so little time, you need to focus on the simple actions which make a difference.
Tip 1
Keep your marketing activity simple.
Start by reviewing what marketing activity you currently undertake for your business; how much you spend on it, and whether it works or not.
Remember the many menus Gordon Ramsey has ripped apart in “Kitchen Nightmares”? Invariably he strips a menu down to basics – keeping simple items which look good, for which he can control costs, and figure out what works and what doesn’t.
It’s good to try the same approach with your marketing. Go back to basics. And if you don’t know if an ad or leaflet is working for you, stop using it until you figure out a way of tracking its effectiveness. Only that way will you know if it’s really working and if your hard earned cash if being well spent.
Tip 2
Now that you’re back to basics, take an overview of the marketing tools you are using. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. Do the materials you are using (flyers, ads, business cards) look good? Is there a consistency in style? By using the same style, colours, logos, you can start to build your brand, and become a recognisable and trusted business. And when you’re easily recognisable and trusted your repeat business will soar.
Tip 3
Talk to your customers.
Can’t afford an expensive market research campaign? Well you’re not alone. But don’t rule out market research to inform your business and its growth. You can carry out very useful market research by talking to your existing customers. Why do they choose you? Where do they come from? Who else did they consider visiting or staying with? What is the purpose of their visit? By understanding your existing customers you can improve their experience and also find more customers just like them!
A blog by Caroline Sanger-Davies, marketing consultant working in Cheshire and North Wales and a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Email me at caroline@aero-media.co.uk
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the world's largest professional marketing body. Defining the marketing standards (www.cim.co.uk/standards) that operate in the UK and championing best practice globally, CIM is the voice of marketing with influence felt at the highest levels in industry and government on a national and international level.
The Institute exists to develop the marketing profession, and improve the skills of marketing practitioners, enabling them to deliver exceptional results for their organisations. CIM North West runs a range of events and courses, which are open to members and non members, and is committed to raising the bar for marketing in the region with the help of its strong, dedicated and 3000 strong membership.
Find out how we can help you at www.cim-nw.org.uk
