You’ve heard a lot of tax babble this month so let’s start the new financial year with a different tact. It’s a great time to revise what’s going on in your business and whilst you’re doing that, your marketing strategy should get some attention. I’ve put together five key areas for you to consider:
- How’s that website looking?
When there are tools such as Squarespace that allow you to create good looking websites easily and for next to no cost, you’re running out of crappy website excuses. You’re lucky if you can even get away with a DIY anymore though. If you don’t have a website that’s well designed, with spot on copywriting, you’re losing business. It’s as simple as that. There will always be someone who provides the same service as you do, but looks prettier and communicates in a more efficient way. It’s 2017 guys, get your act together!
If you feel like your website is still looking relevant, consider your content. Does it need a refresh? Have you added new team members, or included information about additional services?
- Content is Queen 😉
It’s easy to get stuck in a routine with content. Two blogs a month on standard topics… some funny posts here and there. Whilst those things can do well, turn it up a notch. Keep your content fresh and engaging. Considering getting some new photography shot (by a professional, but yes it’s fine to mix it up with an iPhone job) and start thinking outside the box. What will be of real interest and value to your clients and target market? Importantly, good content cannot be beaten in the Google ranking race.
- Video’s are the new black
Video content has been discussed for a while, but with over half of businesses now adopting video as part of their marketing strategy, the time to get into it is today. I could write a whole blog on videos alone, but some key reasons as to why they’re an absolute must: Google loves videos. You’re 53 times more likely to show up first in a search if you have video embedded into your website. Google now owns YouTube and there’s been a big change in how much video content affects your ranking. Video provides a far higher attention and engagement rate over other forms of content. It allows you to be more creative, and produce content that forms strong emotional connections with your viewer. Check out a great infographic on video content here.
- Socially acceptable
I’d like to think that by now, you don’t need a push to start using social media. If you haven’t even signed up for a Facebook page, stop reading and do it right now. Getting your platforms up and running should be your number one marketing priority. If you’re on socials along with the majority of Australian businesses, great. How are those pages looking though? I’m sure, like me, you see more cringe worthy content on your feed than engaging stuff. Does your business fall into this category? And if you’re thinking, “no I reckon I’ve nailed it”, cool… does anyone else think that? Be objective for a minute and consider whether you’re offering followers genuinely valuable content. Have a look at competitors; see what they’re doing. Research amazing marketing ideas in your industry. It’s one thing to be on social media, it’s another to be doing it well.
- Hire a professional
Marketing is like graphic design: everyone thinks they can do it. Well, sorry to break it to you guys but that’s just not true. Even if you are a jack of many trades, should your time really be spent on it? Or should it be spent on whatever it is you do best? The difference between average marketing and great marketing takes a lot of time and knowledge. If it’s done well, the dollars you spend on outsourcing will be back in your pocket with new business anyway.
