Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few strategic tweaks, you can improve your marketing, outpace your competition and grow your business effectively.
Here are seven actionable tips to boost your marketing efforts starting today.
1. Do Some Marketing Every Day
Fewer than one in five small businesses engage in daily marketing, but consistency is key. This doesn’t mean mindlessly posting on social media. Instead, focus on deliberate, planned marketing activities, such as:
- Writing quality content or blog posts
- Creating videos or podcasts
- Crafting emails for your list
- Reviewing your CRM for follow-ups
- Asking for referrals
Even 10-20 minutes a day can make a huge difference over time.
2. Know Your Audience (ABCs: Always Be Clear on Who You’re Selling To)
You can’t (and shouldn’t) sell to everyone. Define your ideal customer profile (avatar) by considering:
- Demographics (age, gender, income)
- Geographics (location-based targeting)
- Psychographics (interests, pain points)
For example, if you run a local business in Chicago, focus on Chicago-based customers rather than casting a wide net. The clearer your audience, the more effective your messaging.
3. Focus on “What’s In It for Me?” (WIIFM)
Most marketing fails because it talks about the business or the product – not the customer. Instead of saying, “We’re the best!” explain:
- How you solve their problem
- How you save them money or time
- How you make their life easier/better
Example: A massage therapist shouldn’t just say, “We offer great massages.” Instead: “Reduce stress and back pain in just 30 minutes – book now!”
4. Market to Existing Customers (They’re Your Best Leads!)
Shockingly, less than 10% of businesses market effectively to their current customers. That’s right, fewer than 1 in 10. Yet, repeat buyers and referrals are the easiest sales you’ll ever make.
How to keep customers engaged:
- Add them to an email list (send valuable content, not just promotions)
- Check in regularly (even a simple “How are you?” email helps)
- Offer exclusive deals or loyalty rewards
Pro Tip: If you sell multiple services, ensure customers know about all of them (e.g., Apple sells iPhones, MacBooks, and AirPods to the same audience).
5. Ask for Referrals (It’s That Simple!)
Referrals are the fastest way to grow. Yet, sadly, most businesses don’t ask.
How to get more referrals:
- Just ask! (Example: “Love our service? Refer a friend and get [reward]!”)
- Offer incentives (discounts, freebies, or exclusive perks)
- Follow up with gratitude (Send a thank-you note or small gift)
Case Study: A coaching client in Auckland offered a free month for every referral. They gained a new customer in just three days.
6. Use Email Marketing (The Highest ROI Channel)
Email marketing has been known to deliver up to 3,500% ROI. This is far better than social media ads.
How to start:
- Use free tools like Mailchimp (for small lists)
- Segment your list:
- Existing customers (keep them engaged)
- Potential leads (nurture them with value)
- Past customers (win them back with special offers)
Example: A gym reactivated lapsed members with a simple email campaign. The campaign cost almost nothing but brought in 000’s in revenue.
7. Increase Touchpoints (Make Customers Feel Valued)
The more you engage with customers in personal, spontaneous ways, the stronger your relationship.
Ideas for touchpoints:
- Birthday/thank-you cards (stand out from generic Christmas cards)
- Handwritten notes (e.g., “Saw this and thought of you!”)
- Follow-up calls (“How’s everything going?”)
Pro Tip: Even small gestures (like buying pizza for a referring client) can lead to big returns. One $60 pizza brought in $6,000 in referrals! That’s a serious return on investment.
Bonus: Sharpen the Saw
Your business thrives when you do. And if there’s no you, there’s no business. Prioritize:
- Health (sleep, exercise, nutrition)
- Continuous learning (books, courses, networking)
- Work-life balance
As Stephen Covey said in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Sharpen the saw” – keep yourself sharp to keep your business growing.
Final Takeaway
Marketing success comes from consistency, clarity, and customer focus. Start implementing these seven strategies today, and watch your business grow!
Which tip will you try first? Let me know in the comments!