8 Minutes to Better Marketing

The number one hurdle small business owners must get over to market their own business is TIME. Our time is finite. Each day only has so much of it and there is so much we have to do in the allotted time. On top of the business itself, there is billing and collections, managing people, sales and customer service. We have to take care of family issues, social and community functions, and some sort of recreation so we don’t implode. Who has time for marketing? Can you find 8 minutes? How about first thing before you get started? Or 8 minutes before lunch. It’s only 8 minutes we can carve out of somewhere. Below are 8 marketing tasks that you can get done in 8 minutes that can give you better marketing.

1. Write a blog post.

Blog posts don’t have to be all that long. Spend a little time, share some thoughts about your business, your industry or future plans. Write a quick review of a book or article (hint) you found helpful.

2. Write a thank you note.

Get some blank cards and envelopes, hand write a thank you note to a couple of your best customers, or even the last two customers you helped. Handwritten notes are guaranteed to be read, make a lasting impression and make customers go out of their way to come back to you.

3. Write a survey.

What would you like to know from your customers? Ask them. There are free survey sites on the web that will help you send questionnaires to your customers to get their feedback. Your customers will know they are helping you improve your business, and get a feeling of ownership when you employ their suggestions. You get great feedback. Everyone wins.

4. Ask for a testimonial.

Send a note to some of your best customers and ask them for a testimonial for your product or service. Pick their brains, ask some leading questions, but be sure to give them a chance to review your business freely, in their own words. When you get them back post them on your website.

5. Create a sales event.

Look a month ahead, what holiday is coming up? It doesn’t have to be one of the majors. It can be National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (May 15) or you can make one up. Customers like to have a reason why you are contacting them. Give them a unique reason. Hand write coupons for your holiday sale and send them to you client list.

6. Define your perfect customer.

Spend 8 minutes learning about who your Perfect Customer is. Find out their gender, how they commute, what their income range is, what they read, what they watch/listen to. What problems do they have? What do they purchase to solve those problems? What are they purchasing instead of coming to you? Why? Write all of this down and keep it in your marketing notebook.

7. Reword your Overall Marketing Message, again.

This is assuming you have your marketing message solidified. Look at your message again. How can you say the same message in a different way that will speak directly to your customer? Or direct it to a new customer. Write it 4 different ways.

8. Enlist help.

Contact another business that shares your target market and explore ways to help each other market both of your businesses. If you are a florist, call a bakery and create a wedding package. If you are a auto mechanic, call a auto body technician and work out a referral trade. If you have a restaurant contact a hotel and make discount specials driving customers to your new partner.

It doesn’t take a small business long to jump some big hurdles by investing just 8 minutes everyday to their marketing. If I can help in any way, send us an email.

8 Minutes to Better Marketing

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