Any successful business will have a marketing strategy; even if they don’t know it. Many sole traders will tell you that all they do is place an ad in the local paper and that they never seem to run out of work.
The truth here is that they may get some work from the paper, but it is word of mouth that is selling their business.
Their marketing strategy is the great work they do, and the fact that their customers are passing on their details to others in the community.
According to Forbes.com community marketing is a great to publicise your business; and here, we will look at some of the best ways to employ it.
Organise a Charity Auction
This is a great way to get publicity in the press and spread your name around the area. You can auction anything, but by auctioning off high end goods will attract more people and give your auction a higher profile. You will need to invite local celebrities or council members, an entertaining auctioneer, and obviously the press, but don’t forget you will also need to hire a hall, supply refreshments, and arrange some security to ensure your high end lots are safe (easily found at UKGuarding.com).
Doing your bit for charity is an excellent way to show the community that you care, and an event like this is often a fun way to introduce yourself to future clients.
Sponsor a Football Team
Try and name a professional football team that hasn’t got a sponsor on its shirt. I bet you can’t. Samsung is a great example of a company that knows the power of marketing, and spends a huge sum sponsoring Chelsea football team to get their name seen by millions of people around the world; and you can use the same strategy.
By sponsoring a local football team you will not only have your name on their football shirts, you will become an important member of the community. At every function you will be mentioned, at every game you will be seen, and you will be written about every time the team has a write-up in the local paper.
This is a sure fire way to get a return from what people will see as your investment in the community.
Create an Annual Competition
If you start an annual competition where the first prize is a cup named after your company, you will be building a brand awareness that is essential if you want to be known in your community. The possibilities are endless, and could include sports, debates, spelling competitions, or even fun competitions like egg-rolling. The actual event is not the main concern, but rather where it takes place and who participates; so try and become involved in the local fete and have cup for a tug of war, or ask to donate a cup and prizes to the biggest school in the area for their annual debating competition.
Getting your business name known is vital for brand awareness.
The cost of a cup, football strip, or a charity event can be minimal compared to the amount of business you generate; and these are the kinds of investments you should include in your marketing strategy.
Graphics by Shutterstock