Competing With The Big Guys (On A Small Budget)
by Steve Slais
Keeping up with large businesses can seem like an impossible task for small companies with limited marketing budgets. However, with the right strategy, your organization can effectively compete with the big guys, enhance your brand recognition and market positioning, and attract the customers you are focused on. Here are a few tips (that won’t break the bank) to help make that happen.
Build your social media presence.
Social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be powerful marketing tools for small businesses. Utilize these platforms to connect with your target audience and reach a wider audience. Share updates about your business, post engaging content, and interact with your followers to build a strong online presence.
Focus on your niche.
Instead of trying to compete with large businesses head-on, focus on your “uniques” and what sets your business apart. Highlight your unique selling points and use them to attract customers who are looking for something specific. Other companies might offer similar products, but no one does in the exact same way you do. Use this to your advantage.
Leverage customer reviews and referrals.
Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and ask for referrals from them on your website and third-party sites like Yelp, Google, and Facebook. This will help establish your business as a trusted and reliable brand and spread the word about your great products and services.
Invest in content marketing.
Content marketing (campaigns that may include blogs, case studies, byline articles, emails, and social posts) is an effective way to reach your target audience and build your brand. Create valuable, educational, and engaging content that showcases your business expertise and helps establish your brand as an authority in your industry.
Utilize local SEO.
Local search engine optimization (SEO) can help your business get discovered by potential customers in your area. Think about the specific words and phrases your local customers use in search engines and be sure these keywords are in your content. Optimize your website for local search terms and create local business listings to help build and reinforce your SEO strategy.
Promote your exceptional customer service.
Always putting your customers first is a great way to set your business apart from the big guys (many large companies are perceived to have poor customer service). Go the extra mile to ensure your customers are happy, and they will be more likely to recommend your business to others – and become loyal followers of your brand.
Participate in community events.
Getting involved with and even sponsoring community events is a great way to build relationships with potential customers and promote your business. Attend events, sponsor local sports teams, or volunteer for community organizations to get your business’s name out there. Customers love to support local businesses.
Big ideas don’t always require a big budget. By following these tips, your small businesses can effectively compete with larger rivals and increase your brand recognition, even with limited marketing dollars. It takes time, effort, and persistence to see results, but with the right strategy, your small businesses will grow and succeed. Good luck, and stay the course!
Steve Slais is Partner and Chief Creative Officer at Spoke Marketing. Spoke Marketing (www.spokemarketing.com) provides fully-integrated marketing and sales programs that define and activate the customer buyer journey.