Marketing budgets are flowing in, businesses are analyzing last year's marketing efforts and now is the time to start ramping up marketing efforts again. The New Year is a pivotal time for most businesses, and the service industry will also start ramping up efforts.
A lot of industries tend to see a lull in work during the cold winter months.
But when the weather starts to warm, it's time to get back to work and make sure those bottom lines swell.
Six tips to help marketing a service business are:
Local Newspapers and Promotion
One area that many women tend to ignore is local marketing. Your local newspaper is looking for a story, and your business's story might fit into this mold. Woman-owned businesses, especially when they're certified, are a great way to get into your local newspaper.
Contact an editor via email or phone, and explain what makes your business unique, how you're a woman-owned business and what you plan on contributing to the local community.
Charity and Local Donations
If you want to get in the news and start to build your reputation locally, you can do so by being charitable and offering donations to local causes. A few ideas that come to mind are:
- Help local families in need
- Support local sports teams
- Donate services for a cause
- Organize a donation drive
You can do a lot of good for your business and the local community by getting into the charitable spirit and donating, too.
Social Media Groups and Support
Small towns tend to stick together. I have noticed that my local Facebook groups are filled with people that are talking about everything from their favorite place to eat to local gossip. I've seen everything promoted on these groups, from drain cleaning, to car washes and the local pizza shops.
Yes, your small business should also have its own Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Reach out to potential customers in these groups, lend your advice and start to get noticed in your city. Oftentimes, it's a matter of having a familiar, trustworthy face to make the sale.
Connect with the community, and you'll find success.
Bundle Services or Offer Something Free
Consumers like deals, and something free or substantially cheaper when bundled is a great option. How does this work? It depends on your industry. A plumber may offer a free drain cleaning with a pipe repair.
Barbers may offer free neck hair trimmings for a month after a haircut.
Bundle services together, too. Offer to provide a service for 75% of the normal cost when buying another service.
Consumers like deals, so offering any deal will be a smart way to boost foot traffic and sales.
Internet Promotion is a Must
It's impossible to ignore the Internet no matter what type of business you're trying to promote. Service businesses can lure in customers by using:
These are good starting points, but you'll also want to add these reviews to your website to help build trust with potential clients and customers. Once you've done that, you'll also want to consider buying Facebook Ads or spending money on Google AdWords to help promote your business.
Start small with your campaigns, learn the basics and refine your results to start bringing in clients.
