It’s that time again—the start of a new year. Time to think about what you can do better than last year. The point when business people make plans to improve their outlook, financial and otherwise. And time to ask, what can you do to enhance your marketing and promotion efforts in 2014?
As with any resolution for self-improvement, a reality check can help guide your progress. Some timely questions to ask include:
- Has our marketing been effective in the past? If not, why not?
- How can we generate new sales and attract customers?
- How can we communicate and interact with clients so they will return?
- Is our marketing content up-to-date, consistent, and relevant to our audience?
A search engine optimized/navigation friendly website
Is your company website inviting and informative? Does your content establish your expertise, superior product, credibility, and reliability? Content should be clear, direct, and informative. Rather than only pitching your products or services, the successful website enables a buyer to become a better-informed and more loyal customer and raving fan.
Print collateral, direct mail & social media
Print material remains an important and practical marketing tool in the digital age. When designed to be consistent with an online presence and your company branding, print collateral, direct mail and social media, it provides a positive introduction to your company for a targeted audience.
Ongoing networking activities
The well-known adage “Eighty percent of success is showing up,” attributed to comic Woody Allen, could be a networking mantra. Seek out the groups associated with your business or industry segments. Attend industry events and meetings. Be visible: Showcase your company. Showcase your capabilities/products/services.
Trade shows budgeting/planning
The best trade show exhibits are carefully planned. Elements of a successful exhibit include informative content, preparation of materials, coordination, and logistics, and the means to carry on an interactive and ongoing communications program with buyers and customers once the tabletop exhibition or trade show has ended.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
The aim of CRM is to improve customer satisfaction; because of a satisfied customer is a repeat customer. CRM involves a multifaceted approach to winning customers. NMMC helps companies better understand CRM, including tips for learning how to increase customer loyalty, training employees to ensure exceptional customer service, making customer service consistent, and using marketing and online search tools to target and track customer satisfaction.
