So, I’ve resisted writing a blog for a few years now…perhaps it’s because I feel I could devote my energy and time to my clients instead. However, one of my clients pointed out that “I could learn more about you and what I need from your type of company without having to bombard you with questions if you just blogged about it!” Well, ok, if you insist….
I will say though, that I will be starting out with just one a week, and as I progress, I’ll start contributing more often. When I read something or are inspired by a subject matter while I work, I’ll probably post then too. I won’t go post crazy though-I promise.
In saying this, I think it’s really important as we sit on the cusp of a new year to understand what social media is, and how beneficial it can be to your overall marketing plan. Yes, there is still value in snail mail or paper marketing, but there’s also a great deal of focus online. Marketing your brand should be broken down into three separate compartments: social media marketing, where you connect with your audience online; face to face marketing, where you connect with your clients, meet with them, or hold special events for them; and personal marketing, which includes snail mail (for example, thank you, birthday and anniversary cards), personalized emails (including follow ups) and phone calls (including follow ups). Without this trifecta, your brand will not flourish.
Take some time and a pen and paper-not right now, perhaps you should wait till after you read this-and write down who your clients are. What their age group is, their occupations, perhaps even their socio-economic status. Really understand who your brand sells to. Consider your 30 second elevator pitch and who you wish to receive referrals from. Now, take this information and imagine what type of marketing they would best respond to. Are they corporate? Probably best to use LinkedIn Are they mostly women in their 20’s and 30’s? Probably best to use Pinterest. Maybe they’re more on the conservative side and more mature-best to use more personal marketing and snail mail, and probably market using newsletters, etc. Many use Facebook, but you have to know your brand and who your clientele is; if you focus your marketing on, say Twitter or Facebook, and most of your clientele is made up of retirees, you’re probably not going to get much out of it, and find yourself frustrated and disenchanted.
Find out who you are, then find out who your clients are before you decide which direction your marketing strategy should go in. You’ll save time, save money, and earn credibility. No one can argue with that.
*Wish you had more time to network, but your admin work is weighing you down? Contact me for more information on how I can take charge of your office, while you take charge of building your brand’s success!