Exploring 5 Different Kinds of Marketing
If you run a small business, you probably hear other entrepreneurs and business experts talk about the importance of marketing. If it’s been a while since you thought about your advertisements or your engagement statistics are low, learn about these five kinds of marketing.
1. Blogs
Depending on your web designer’s contract, adding a blog link to your website is usually cheap or free. It’s also an easy way to increase your visibility and sense of authority online. Sign up for a content marketing subscription to ensure that your blog posts are optimized around keywords, and provide your writers with plenty of information about your products and brand. Order your first batch of blogs around topics that describe who you are:
- Product explanations
- Behind-the-scenes reveals
- Employee introductions
- Frequently asked questions
- Hot topics in your industry
If you’re stuck on what to feature in your blog, your content provider can help you come up with topics.
2. Pay-Per-Click Ads
When you search for something on Google, the first few results usually have a tag noting that they’re ads. Purchasing this advertising space by taking out pay-per-click ads is a great way to let customers know about your business. You sign a contract with Google or another search engine to place your ad at the top of results pages relevant to your keywords. Then, whenever someone clicks on your ad, you pay the provider a few cents. Some plans allow you to set limits on how much you’ll pay.
3. Search Engine Optimization Articles
Search engine optimization is another way of increasing your online visibility. SEO involves identifying keywords that your target audience searches for and embedding them as hyperlinks to your site in relevant articles. These articles tend to be shorter and more general than blog posts. They can go on your blog, but the best SEO practice is to post them on other companies’ sites. If you’ve never written SEO articles before, talk to your content subscription provider about whether they also offer SEO services.
It’s easy to get SEO articles and PPC ads mixed up because they both involve moving your website higher on search engine results pages. However, SEO articles perform this process organically, while PPC ads allow you to purchase space at the top. For best results, use these advertising strategies at the same time.
4. Social Media Accounts
Social media accounts are free, and they’re excellent opportunities for advertising because they allow you to connect directly with your customers. Make sure you have accounts on the most popular platforms:
- TikTok
If you have employees with experience with other platforms and a young target market, consider adding Reddit and Tumblr to the mix.
On your social media pages, share news about your company, including new products or store renovations. Post pictures and bios of your employees, and ask your customers to tag you in pictures related to your business. To boost your engagement, use features such as question buttons and Instagram or Facebook Live. Focus on presenting your company as interested in your customers’ lives and full of passionate people.
5. Email Lists
Your customers are probably wary of giving you their email addresses because they’re used to being spammed by advertisements. Because of this, it is difficult for you to send them your services and your products. Luckily, there are tools like Klean Leads which you can use to look for their email addresses. With the use of these tools, you can generate more leads.
If you use email efficiently, though, it’s a great marketing tool. Limit yourself to one newsletter a week that contains special offers, company news, and information about your social media accounts. Ask your customers for their emails whenever they check out to increase your mailing list.
After educating yourself about these five kinds of advertising, it’s time to implement them at your small business.
