Marketing for a Service Based Business
Hello Community! You've reached the Business Discussion page and I'd say you’re ready to discuss... business! Today I want to share an article I found posted on the QuickBooks Resource Center that outlines some tips for marketing a service based business.
Marketing is important for sales as we all know, and marketing for a product can be a breeze. But how do you achieve the same when what you're selling is a service? Service-based business owners, this one's for you! Here are a few pointers to recall the next time you're working on a marketing campaign...
Reel In Customers With Incentives
Having a hard time reaching new customers? This may be the perfect time to offer incentives. Incentives can come in many forms such as, a giveaway, coupons, discounts for new customers. Be mindful of where you need your prices to be to still profit but be prepared for a growth spurt! There are also several providers available that will help you distribute your incentives to both new, potential, and returning customers.
Stay in Touch
While it's nice to simply stay in touch with your clients, you also don't want them to forget you! As the article mentions, there isn't a one-size-fits-all method for how often and when to contact customers, as each business is unique. "Customers like to be remembered, but they don’t want to be annoyed. Good service is worth talking about, and courteous customer service can build a great word-of-mouth following." A couple of recommendations would be a monthly/quarterly news letter for email subscribers, and a card with a 10% off coupon for a customer's birthday.
Make Use of Social Networking
While I love a good food pic, your social media, and network therein, can be so much more that than; especially as a small business owner. "In addition to creating a website for your business, consider creating business pages and profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and any other social networks you find suitable. Once your pages are all set up, make sure you stay on top of them by responding to customer inquiries and posting valuable and relevant updates." This will help you build a following beyond your local community. And provides an easy way to keep in touch.
Connect With the Community
Show up, participate; community events are a great way to extended your business's presence. "A promising way to connect with your community is to be involved in the local Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce. These assemblies can connect you with other businesses that embrace cooperative interaction."
I hope these tips come in handy and help further your marketing efforts, especially service providers! Let us know your marketing strategies that have worked for you in the past. We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!