Small businesses have been around for centuries, but the way they market themselves has changed dramatically in the last few decades, thanks to the internet. Gone are the days of relying solely on print ads, billboards, and radio spots. Now, small businesses have many digital marketing tools at their disposal. From social media to email marketing to search engine optimization (SEO), the internet has revolutionized how small businesses can reach and engage with their target audience. In this article, we’ll explore how small business marketing has changed thanks to the internet and what it means for the future of entrepreneurship.
Leveling the Playing Field for Small Businesses
Traditional marketing works for companies with a large marketing budget. Most small businesses have a minimal budget and can’t compete with corporations, with millions to spend each year on television and print advertising.
That’s one of the best ways digital marketing has helped small businesses market their goods to consumers. So while you may still need a marketing budget, it is significantly less than paying for air time on television or radio.
Small business marketing can see the same types of responses as well-established brands. The field is level. What brings customers is different than the size of your marketing team or advertising budget. Instead, it’s the quality of your content and how you connect with your audience.
Tailor Small Business Marketing Efforts
Digital marketing has changed the way you market to your customers. Instead of going broad and bold to catch anyone interested in your products, you can tailor your advertising to meet a specific audience.
Some of your digital small business marketing efforts, such as SEO, will still cast a wide net. However, you can save significant financial resources by tailoring your campaigns to meet particular needs instead.
Go to Your Customers
Unlike traditional marketing methods, small businesses can use digital efforts to pinpoint precisely where their customers are. For example, you can find where your audience likes to hang out on social media and use social media content to engage with them.
The best part about social media is you don’t have to pitch to your client base. Of course, you want to ensure they know about products and services, but you don’t have to run ads. Instead, social media is where you can engage with customers, educate them on your products or display helpful tips. It’s also a place to have a little fun and make your company feel unapproachable.
Customer Oriented instead of Sales Oriented with Small Business Marketing
With digital marketing, small business marketing can focus less on selling to people and more time focusing on the customer. With digital media, customers can contact you anytime to seek help, gather information, or connect with your business to tell you what they think. It is your opportunity to offer customer service in the best way possible.
People prefer to do business with companies that are more focused on making them happy instead of padding their bottom line. Customers want to feel like they are a critical part of your business, not just the money they bring with them.
Small businesses have been around for centuries, but the way they market themselves has changed dramatically in the last few decades, thanks to the internet. From social media to email marketing to search engine optimization (SEO), the internet has revolutionized how small businesses can reach and engage with their target audience. Contact me today to learn how I can help your small business marketing plan be a success.