5 Tips for Marketing Your Small Business

Marketing a small business means that you’re in charge of selling your services to the world. Marketing is a great way to grow your company. It gives your small business an identity and voice. It ensures that your services will be front and center when people search for the solution that you provide.

Remember, the more effort you put into building a visible brand and putting your services out into the world, the better chance you will have of attracting the clients you want and growing your business. Here are five marketing tips for your small business.

1. Prioritize Your Personal Brand

Your personal brand is an important part of your small business. Your brand is how clients will know you. It is a reflection of who you are and what you do.

When thinking about what your personal brand should be like, think about what sets you apart. What is unique about your business? Why should a client choose you over a competitor?

When marketing your brand, consider what words best describe your business. Strive to deliver a consistent message that is both memorable and professional. Remember, you are building your reputation—the language and visual elements you choose to represent yourself with are what potential clients will see first.

Check out: 9 Ways to Build a Personal Brand for Your Consulting Business

2. Build a Professional Website

With your brand in place, it’s time to invest in creating a professional website. No matter what line of business you’re in, people need a way to find out about what you do. When clients are looking for a need, the first place they will look is online. A website that talks about your services, your brand, and who you are will help you show up in search results.

When building your website, don’t go in blind. Take a look at your business goals and create a strategy around those goals. Focus on the audience you want to reach and consider how you can reach them.

Next, focus on actually building your site. If technology is not your wheelhouse, don’t worry—there are a lot of simple tools available online to guide you.

Need help? Create a Great Consulting Website (Guide)

3. Use Social Media

Social media is another important piece of the marketing puzzle. When thinking about the type of social presence you want to curate, consider what platform would work best for your business.

For instance, on LinkedIn you can grow your network, join groups of other professionals, and highlight the services you offer. Twitter can be a helpful way to share curated content with clients and showcase your own expertise.

Check out: 5 Tips for Effectively Marketing Your Small Business on Twitter

4. Focus on Networking

Networking presents great marketing opportunities. And, it doesn’t have to involve attending an event or setting up a face-to-face meeting. There are many ways to network online by reaching out to people who perform similar work as yourself.

Make sure your social media profiles reflect what your business stands for, and then search for key words or hashtags to find other people interested in similar things or groups that you can join. Once you meet and make connections, use your networks to stay in touch with your contacts. Grow your contacts by searching for mutual friends that you may have in common.

Try this: How to Network with Your Peers

5. Try Content Marketing

A great way to market your business and attract the clients you want is by creating content. Strong content can help establish you as a thought leader in your industry and show potential clients that you are knowledgeable and trustworthy. There are lots of different types of content you can create depending on the nature of your business and your own personal comfort level.

If you feel comfortable speaking and sharing information on a wide range of topics, consider starting a blog on your professional website. If writing a blog post sounds too intimidating, try creating some short-form content for your social media platforms. If you find a topic you are comfortable with and that resonates with you, consider reaching out to publications or blogs you follow and pitch topics to guests to write about.

Up next: 4 Reasons to Start a Blog for Your Small Business

Do you have more ideas or questions about marketing your small business? Our team of experts is here to help.