I work with a LOT of small businesses and independent entrepreneurs, and all too often I find that the biggest challenge that they have isn't just "needing more business".
Yes, that appears to be the challenge but, the business is out there! The challenge is leveraging their time & money in the best ways to GET it! More often than not, when you ask them "how are you letting people know that you WANT more business? they either have no answer, or a bad one!"
The owner of the Brick & Mortar Business waits for people to come in. "I'm here!" That's it! Because "I'm here" they expect people to come in! It's no different online. That website sits there "I'm here!" and expects people to find them. Do you know how many websites are out there???? You expect people to just "know"!?! Think about that. Seems obvious, I know, but it's true. Just EXISTING simply isn't enough. Sorry folks! So, how do you build your business without Trump's bank account?? Here is a 3 Part Plan! But first! Do NOT make the mistake of underestimating the power of it! I know, we always think "simple" can't be effective, but it is! It just has to be focused and consistent! 1. Have a very clear brand! Use it consistently! Make it clear how you serve, not just "what you do"! Your brand is how you appear to others. That includes your logo, store design, how customers are treated and everything in between! 2. Social Media! Yep, I know some of you are thinking "I don't have the time". I don't know about you, but most people don't have the money that it would take to generate what a little "time" w/social media can do! Blog! About what? Help me! Educate me! If you are a store, tell me what the latest trends are, post an article on how to pick a camera, or _____. Post other people's stuff (with credit of course!) like video's, how to's, etc. If you sell expensive, organic makeup, tell me why I need or should want it! If I have no idea that there is road kill in my makeup, I am NOT ever going to buy yours (unless it's easier and cheaper to get, which it probably won't be)! No matter how many emails you send me, or how pretty your website is! (Read: So, now I need a blog?) 3. Advertise Online w/LocalAdLink I know what your thinking! "I already have a website" (remember, it's just sitting there wanting to be found but isn't findable!), or "I tried google adwords and it didn't work" or "I can't afford that"... Try LocalAdLink It was made for you! LocalAdLink offers a very robust set of tools and comprehensive technology that I won't go into, because I don't want to make it any more complicated than it needs to be! So, here is the jist of it: You get a simple landing page (that can link to your website if you have one) that is better than most expensive websites, that people can find without having to spend thousands on SEO, ppc, etc (& if you don't know what that means, you don't have to!). You (or your 9yr old) can easily change it whenever you want! It pushes you out to 1000's of sites and makes you "findable", and best of all, you show up front and center on any computer in the zip codes that you have chosen! Yep! Instead of paying zillions of dollars so that someone in Tahiti sees your website, you can now afford to show up where your customers are! For $100-$249/mo you can have a web presence that people can find, offer coupons without having to print them or pay $100's of dollars to mail them, you can have up to the minute sales, photos, and events without being out-dated, or waiting for someone else to do it! You get control and the power to reach 10's of thousands of people! Without learning a bunch of stuff, spending tons of time, or spending lots of money! Are there other ways? yes.
Are there still print publications and others that work? yes. Should you stop doing what works? NO!
But, for 100 bucks a month (& no long term contract) at least Try It! Not sure if you can afford $100/mo?? (C'mon! I'll bet you blow that much at the grocery store, target or on latte's! I do! They aren't making you money are they?)
So, when do you want to start making more money in your business? Next Month? Next Week? How about today?
(My husband and I were so impressed with LocalAdLink and the value and leverage that it offers small businesses, he has become a reseller. Just so you know! Buy it through whoever you want! Just try it! Really! :) Don't let the simplicity of this fool you! I know we all think it has to be hard, and expensive and complicated! BUT, it doesn't!
Focus on this simple strategy for 3 months and see...
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