Top Marketing Tips for 2010

Number One – Step back and review, evaluate

It doesn’t matter how big or small a business is, it is essential to annually complete a market review. Start with a customer survey that has quantifiable questions and then proceed to review the competitors in the market and see where their successes and failures lay. Finally review all new marketing techniques that have been brought to the market and then consider the strategy for the year.

Number Two – Do your research and form an opinion on Social Media

Each and every business has a different image that they want to portray. Some may think that social media doesn’t apply to them and many more will think that it isn’t suited to a business to business environment. There are many opportunities available and this area is THE fastest area of marketing development so it is necessary to find the medium that is right for you. Get a twitter account, create a facebook fan page, joi
Linked in, add video clips to you tube what ever the approach it’s time to have a go.

Number Three – If your advertising isn’t working stop it

Advertising can be a bottomless pit and whether it’s in newspapers, consumer glossy magazines or trade press it has to have a return on investment. If you’re determined to advertise it’s important to have a strong call to action and to ensure that information is captured where all customers have come from. This means at least you can really gauge what is working and what it not. Remember if it’s not working stop it – NOW!

Number Four – Make a concerted effort to get to know the journalists that write about your industry

Building relationships with a handful of journalists and keeping them up to date with developments in your business is extremely valuable. Tell them you’re available if they ever need a specialist to answer key questions. Make sure you check for on-line bloggers and editors and add them to the mix.

Number Five – Take advantage of all the fantastic free on-line tools

There are so many resources available that can add a great deal of value to your business. My top three are:

1. Google analytics – an abundance of web tracking information all for free.
2. Firefox – not only is this a search engine but the ‘add-on’ tools are far superior to the over used internet explorer.
3. Tweetdeck – This interface allows you to manage multiple social media sites with one hit. You also get to see current trends and can tailor searches to your specific areas of interest.

I believe it’s important to do a few things right than try and do many more inadequately. Start now and see if you can make an impact on your business marketing by making these simple changes. Good luck.

For further help contact Gail Clark, The Marketing Specialist – visit http://www.themarketingspecialist.co.uk

Gail Clark has almost two decades of marketing experience with large corporates like Cable & Wireless, Fujitsu and Canon. In more recent years Gail has channelled this experience and now works with SME businesses in Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire helping them create marketing campaigns with impact. Gail’s skills are diverse here are some examples of her work. She currently helps a business in Chelmsford with copywriting, a business in Colchester with internet marketing, a business in Bury St Edmunds with brand management and a business in Bishop Stortford with public relations . . . are you next?