When I scroll through various small business websites, I still see a lot of screaming tactics. I see businesses using their platform to reach as many people with their hard sell commercial, cast a wide net, and haul their load in.
This worked with television, newspaper and phone book ads. The companies with the loudest megaphones win.
What’s the difference now?
Today, these platforms are built for interaction. Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and other social networks make it easier than ever for your customers to discuss your business. It’s up to you to participate in that conversation.
Your customers have a voice now, too. If you disregard them, if you talk at them instead of with them, they’ll find another place to do business. With all the choices that Google, and social media platforms lay at your customers’ door steps, it’s never been easier easier to leave a company.
How To Provide Value
All is not lost. It’s also easier to keep your business name in front of your customers than ever. In the old days of advertising, money was the currency needed to market your business. Now it is time.
Here are some tips for providing value:
- Blog, post and tweet about your industry on a regular basis.
- Interact with your customers on a one-on-one level.
- Try providing one unique piece of content per day. This can be a blog, email, or social media post.
- Offer your customers tips and tricks related to your expertise.
Remember, somebody may find your content months before they ever need your services. If you’ve consistently provided valuable content over that time span, you’ll stay fresh in their mind.
Matt Brennan is a Chicago-area marketing writer and copy editor. He is also the author of Write Right-Sell Now.
