We're heading into the Summer, well vacation period in the next couple of months and we’d like to kick it off with some practical Marketing ideas that you can use!
Small businesses are a crucial part of the local economy and many of them are catalysts for bringing about change, but these businesses without a doubt, do have it difficult because they are in a competitive space, and they (many small business owners) lack the “soft-skills” needed for running a business, and they (many) see themselves as simply ‘hustlers’, and not businesses, and don’t set themselves up for growth and long term success. And of course, there are inevitable economic issues that have placed a strain on many of these micro, small and medium-sized businesses — a struggle exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Thankfully, a few persons/organizations have set up initiatives to help support and level the playing field for MSMEs. These initiatives include South Market and others alike which inspire the local community to “shop local and shop small” throughout the year.
Today we share some marketing ideas that businesses can apply to help boost sales for any occasion. Let's dive right in, shall we?
Take advantage of your best marketing tool - your current customers.
The best form of marketing any business can have, is positive word of mouth. If you don’t have a PR issue, your satisfied customers are the biggest and best marketing asset you have.
Reach out to them, have them share feedback about their experience at your business, and don’t forget to grace your spending fanbase with some small incentives like a coupon or gift. All you’re doing is helping them sell your business for you!
While we’re on incentives, why not offer a special discount?
Rather than offering the norm… a generic 20% off storewide, try to be strategic instead. For example, you might want to provide some kind of deal for anyone who follows you on FB or Instagram or other social media or signs up to your newsletter mailing list. You can chat with us more on ‘Lead Magnets’ and what your business can offer.
Be active and loud on social media
Social media business promotions can be effective for brand awareness and promotion. But you should encourage engagement and incorporate humour, promotions, sneak peeks, “behind the scenes” looks, and product information to attract your customers. Remember the key word for social media is ‘engagement’. Get them to talk and act on your posts, so they’ll share, like, or heart them. This increases your reach.
Collaborate
For some small businesses, the only way out of this pandemic recession is through collaborative efforts with other businesses. See how your product or service can match well with another business’s product or service and then connect. Need help finding possible contacts, give us a call. Our database is quite extensive having started and nurtured several businesses over the last few years...even in a pandemic!
Giveaways and Competitions
Your customers will love the chance to win something. It can also be a combination of items from your business and another. An excellent opportunity for collaboration again. It’s a win-win for both if you play your cards right!
Utilize your email list
You can set yourself apart with email marketing. Email newsletters should start at least a week or two before the holiday or particular period you’re trying to capture. That way, customers are aware of the upcoming promotions that your business will be having for the season and you could be a first point of contact for shopping for gifts.
Make it a festivity
People love to feel engaged and inspired. What better way to do that than with a party? Okay Okay, not a real party. But at least a "party feel". You know how Trinis like things. So consider your audience and what they connect with. Especially now because people are longing for connection. Keeping it ‘pandemic-cool’, you can put on events, like a product sample demonstration or an interactive, hands-on activity. We see people teaching their skills at a minimal cost just to at least cover materials for those who attend. Remember to keep it small, within the limits of the health regulations, avoid having a large gathering all at one time (don't have a super-spreader event), and ensure Covid-19 protocols are in place. Show your customers that you care about their safety first!
You can also keep it simple by playing music outside your store or putting up seasonal/themed decorations. The aim is to make your business or even your table at a craft market appear to seem festive and fun, so customers are naturally drawn to you!
Feed the people
In my religion, we call it ‘Table Ministry’.
People love food. don't talk about if it's FREE! If you are operating a food and beverage business during this time as we are easing our way out of the pandemic, still try to keep things safe. Ensure you are using single-serve containers with lids for samples. Or simply have something in a basket that you or your store clerk can hand out as people come to your table at a fair or as they’re heading out of your store. You can keep it festive so you can give out chocolates, sweets, slices of cake…or anything of your choice really. People really appreciate the little effort.
A reminder here that practicing proper food safety protocols is extremely important still at this time. As always, right!!! Don’t be like a lady we call ‘yellow jersey’. We were recently part of an event and a yellow jersey food vendor needed to keep coming back to the trunk of her car where she kept the food instead of at her booth. When people ordered, she would come, and with no gloves, no hand washing, she would dish out the food with spoons she kept in a bowl of water, and then she would take the fresh salad out with her bare hands, place her hair behind her ears and adjust her hair accessory and then get back to boxing food. At one time, she took the opportunity to smoke a cigarette before using her unwashed hands to dish out a customer’s food…IN A PANDEMIC!!! So don’t be like ‘yellow jersey’.
Be supportive and engage within your community
You can connect with your community by being a part of its local celebrations or events. You can choose to sponsor one of these events. You can also donate hampers of your products or gift certificates for your services at charitable events. We recommend you choose a cause and support it genuinely.
Community events and activities allow you to promote your business naturally in conversation and deed.
Need more marketing tips? Then you definitely need to get in contact with us at The Timely Entrepreneur Resource and Research Centre. We have lots more from our in-house Marketing experts. Send us an email @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call our offices at 488-0507 / 760-6221.
One final note: We are sure this post can help a struggling small business. Please don’t be a grinch and keep it all to yourself. Do share and help us keep small businesses alive. Even if you can’t support these businesses financially, you can help them by sending them useful information like this that they can save and refer to ever so often. We love sharing information and timely tips for businesses but we do need your support to help this reach the many numbers of businesses in our communities. We’d love for you to share some of your Marketing ideas as well in the comments. Together we can #bouncebackbetter !!!
