Starting a new business is an exhilarating experience. You’ve done the hard work of building a product or service, setting up your operations, and now you’re ready to introduce it to the world. However, in a crowded market, simply opening your doors (virtual or physical) is not enough. You need to employ strategic methods to ensure that your business gets noticed and starts generating revenue. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps on how to get your business out there effectively, covering branding, digital marketing, networking, and traditional marketing strategies.
This is a collaborative post.
KiddyCharts started in 2011, and we have grown the business because we have employed these strategies; and you can too. Whether you are a Mum or Dad trying to work from or, or a student trying to develop your idea after leaving school. It really is amazing what you can achieve if you put your mind to it, with that all important strategic plan.
1. Establishing a strong brand identity
Branding is the foundation of how your business will be perceived by the public. It goes beyond just a logo or a tagline; it encompasses the entire experience customers have with your company. A strong brand identity can differentiate your business from competitors, making it easier for potential customers to recognize and trust you. KiddyCharts succeeded here by developing an eye-catching logo, alongside the brand focus on printables and charts within our name.
Defining your brand
Start by defining what your brand stands for. Consider your business‘s core values, mission, and vision. What message do you want to convey to your audience? Your brand should reflect the personality of your business and resonate with your target market. For instance, if your business is eco-friendly, your branding should emphasize sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Creating a visual identity
Once your brand’s core identity is established, work on the visual elements that will represent it. This includes your logo, color palette, typography, and overall design style. Consistency is key here—make sure these elements are uniform across all your platforms, from your website to social media and physical marketing materials.
Developing a brand voice
Your brand voice is how you communicate with your audience. It should be consistent with your brand identity. Whether your tone is formal, friendly, or quirky, it should be used consistently across all communications. Your brand voice helps to create a connection with your audience, making your business more relatable and trustworthy.
Building brand awareness
Finally, build brand awareness through strategic placement of your brand across multiple channels. This could involve collaborating with influencers, participating in events, or utilizing social media platforms. The more people see your brand, the more familiar they become with it, increasing the chances of them becoming customers. We have managed to grow our social media following to over 650k through hard work, and focusing on platforms that we know parents are on, and using daily.
2. Leveraging digital marketing
In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for any new business. Digital marketing encompasses a wide range of strategies that help you reach a global audience, engage with potential customers, and convert them into loyal clients.
Website development
Your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. It should be professional, easy to navigate, and optimized for mobile devices. Make sure your website clearly communicates what your business offers and includes strong calls to action (CTAs) that guide visitors toward making a purchase or inquiry.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
SEO is a vital component of digital marketing that helps your website rank higher in search engine results. By optimizing your website with relevant keywords, high-quality content, and technical SEO best practices, you increase the likelihood of attracting organic traffic. This means that when people search for products or services related to your business, your website will appear in their search results, driving more potential customers to your site.
Content marketing
Content is king in the digital marketing world. Regularly publishing high-quality content, such as blog posts, videos, or infographics, can help establish your business as an authority in your industry. Content marketing not only helps with SEO but also provides value to your audience, building trust and encouraging them to engage with your brand.
For KiddyCharts, our printables and wellbeing focus are key elements to our content marketing plan. What are going to be your unique content selling points that resonate with your audience?
Social media marketing
Social media platforms offer unparalleled opportunities to connect with your target audience. Each platform has its own unique strengths, so it’s important to choose the ones that align with your business goals. For instance, Instagram and Pinterest are great for visually-driven brands, while LinkedIn is ideal for B2B businesses. Regularly posting engaging content, running targeted ads, and interacting with your followers can significantly boost your brand’s visibility and customer base.
Email marketing
Email remains one of the most effective digital marketing channels. Building an email list allows you to communicate directly with your audience, providing them with valuable content, special offers, and updates about your business. Personalized email campaigns can drive sales, build customer loyalty, and keep your audience engaged with your brand.
3. Networking and building relationships
Networking is a powerful way to grow your business by forming strategic partnerships, gaining referrals, and establishing your presence in the industry. Building strong relationships with other professionals can open doors to new opportunities and help your business gain credibility.
Joining industry groups
One of the most effective ways to network is by joining industry groups and associations. These organizations often host events, webinars, and conferences that provide valuable opportunities to meet other professionals in your field. By participating in these events, you can learn from industry experts, share your knowledge, and build connections that can lead to partnerships or referrals.
Attending networking events
In addition to industry-specific groups, consider attending general networking events in your area. These events can include local business meetups, chamber of commerce meetings, or trade shows. When attending these events, be prepared to introduce yourself and your business, exchange business cards, and follow up with contacts afterward to nurture the relationships.
Leveraging online networking
Online platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for networking in today’s digital world. LinkedIn allows you to connect with professionals in your industry, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. By sharing insightful content and engaging with others, you can position yourself as an expert in your field and attract potential clients or partners.
Collaborating with influencers
Influencer marketing is another effective way to get your business out to the world. Partnering with influencers who align with your brand can help you reach a wider audience and build credibility. Influencers can promote your products or services to their followers, providing social proof and increasing your brand’s visibility.
Building relationships with customers
Networking isn’t just about connecting with other businesses; it’s also about building strong relationships with your customers. Providing exceptional customer service, engaging with customers on social media, and asking for feedback can help you create a loyal customer base that advocates for your brand.
4. Utilizing traditional marketing strategies
While digital marketing is essential in today’s world, traditional marketing strategies still have their place, especially for local businesses. Combining digital and traditional marketing can create a well-rounded approach that maximizes your reach.
Print advertising
Print advertising, such as newspaper ads, magazines, and brochures, can be effective in reaching a local audience. By placing ads in publications that your target audience reads, you can increase your brand’s visibility and attract new customers. Quality leaflets distributed in strategic locations can also be a great way to promote your business and generate leads.
Outdoor advertising
Outdoor advertising, such as billboards, bus ads, and posters, is another way to get your business noticed. These types of ads are particularly effective in high-traffic areas where they can be seen by a large number of people. Outdoor ads are often used to reinforce brand recognition and can be a powerful complement to your digital marketing efforts.
Direct mail
Direct mail campaigns involve sending promotional materials, such as postcards or catalogs, directly to potential customers’ homes. While some may consider direct mail outdated, it can still be highly effective, especially for businesses targeting a local audience. Personalizing direct mail with special offers or discounts can encourage recipients to visit your business or make a purchase.
Event marketing
Hosting or participating in events is a traditional marketing strategy that can generate significant buzz for your business. Whether it’s a grand opening, a product launch, or a community event, events provide an opportunity to showcase your business, interact with potential customers, and create memorable experiences. Events can also generate media coverage, further increasing your business’s visibility.
Sponsorships
Sponsoring local events, sports teams, or community organizations is another way to get your business name out there. Sponsorships not only provide brand visibility but also demonstrate your commitment to the community, which can enhance your brand’s reputation and attract loyal customers. This is something we have strongly considered for KiddyCharts due to our status as a Community Interest Company here in the UK. It offers strong indications to customers, and clients of your brand values as an organisation.
Our final thoughts
Getting your new business out to the world requires a strategic approach that combines branding, digital marketing, networking, and traditional marketing strategies. By establishing a strong brand identity, leveraging digital platforms, building meaningful relationships, and utilizing traditional marketing methods, you can effectively introduce your business to a wider audience and set the stage for long-term success.
Each of these strategies plays a crucial role in building brand awareness and driving growth. Whether you’re distributing quality leaflets, engaging with customers on social media, or attending networking events, every effort you make contributes to the overall success of your business. As you continue to refine and adapt your marketing efforts, you’ll find that reaching new customers and growing your business becomes a more manageable and rewarding endeavor.
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Helen
Helen
Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine!Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time.KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10.It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania.Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on.Get in touch TODAY!