Here are the links to the last blogs if you missed them and would like to check them out - Biggest Marketing Mistakes Every Business Owner Makes - Part 1, Biggest Marketing Mistakes Every Business Owner Makes - Part 2 and Biggest Marketing Mistakes Every Business Owner Makes - Part 3. Today’s mistake is about unrealistic expectations.
Mistake - You think if you build it they will come.
If only life was like a movie. You hang out your shingle; customers come in droves; you are making money hand over fist… Oops, real life gets in the way.
You launch your business and you tell all your friends about it. They are all supportive but none of them buy your products. You launch your Facebook fan page and eight months later you have 20 likes. You tweet every day but no one ever retweets your posts. Your videos have never gone viral. Where is that movie magic?
Running a business is not a spectator sport; it is a full contact experience. After you build it you have to continually attract and maintain customers. Most “overnight” success stories are years in the making. How can you build that movie magic business?
First make sure your business provides a good customer experience. Remember the old saying, “If you have good customer service you tell a few people. If you have bad customer service you tell everybody.” People are quick to take to the Internet to air their grievances about your company so try very hard to minimize the chances of that happening.
Next make sure you have an online presence that you control; I am referring to your website not your Facebook page. People search for companies online. In some categories “He with the most money wins.” However you do not have a chance if you do not throw your hat in the ring. I am constantly amazed at how many businesses do not have a website. You do not have to run out and spend thousands of dollars to create a website; it is okay to have a low-cost “starter” website if that is what fits your budget.
Third (and final for today) create an email strategy and start building your list. It does not matter if you are an automobile mechanic, a chiropractor or an insurance salesman. Email marketing can be a low-cost, effective marketing strategy. Start today if you do not have any list yet and reconnect with your list if you have let that fall by the wayside.
I still have a few more marketing mistakes and solutions on tap so be sure to check back.
Until next time...
Have a great day,
Susanne
If you feel you are spinning your marketing wheels, join me for a Marketing strategy session.