Most entrepreneurs believe that spending or promoting too much are marketing mistakes. Not only is this backward, it’s not the only way you’re messing up. With that in mind, let’s discuss what’s killing you in the marketplace – while also making you a master marketer.
Being Cheap
Aside from not marketing at all, the second worst mistake is not investing in the promotion of your brand. Now, this does not mean spending indiscriminately; but cutting costs here isn’t helping your business the way you think it is.
IN REALITY, IT’S COSTING YOU THE ABILITY TO GROW!
You can’t get to the next level of success doing the same thing. With that in mind, change your viewpoint of what spending on promotion can achieve. And make sure you don’t make the next mistake along the way …
Not Enough Creativity
In the beginning, it is very tempting to play it safe, especially if you don’t have a big budget for promo. Consumers are more overwhelmed by advertising and distracted by their lives than ever. You must break through the noise and take risks. Even then, consumers may still ignore you – but you’ll at least have a fighting chance.
You’re making another big marketing mistake if you don’t first know who you are.
Avoid these mistakes by making marketing a priority.
Unclear About YOUR Brand
I firmly believe that consumers don’t buy from companies, they buy from people. That is why branded content marketing is more effective than traditional methods. That being said, are you crystal clear on your brand and message? It represents your values and purpose; define it and promote it by every possible means.
Ignoring Social Media & Digital Messaging
To be honest, this topped the list of marketing mistakes I made for a long time, not using and abusing every available social media platform. I was being stupid. And, why? For the most part, you can post whatever you want as much as you want. To do the same thing with traditional ads would cost thousands! Not only is social media free, but the whole world is there!
Failure to Tap Into NEW Audiences
Many business owners tend to focus on their regular customers. There is nothing wrong with showing appreciation for loyalty, unless you fail to show up on other audiences’ radar along the way.
Even the best customers will have to stop doing business with you if they get in financial trouble, have a bad experience with your company, or even relocate. Casting a wide net is how the most affluent entrepreneurs make their mark. Complacency has no place in entrepreneurship.
No Promotion Strategy
A great campaign will make consumers feel something and respond. In contrast, you don’t want to follow your heart when it comes to strategy. There is an exact formula for effective advertising: understand marketing essentials, research your niche and stay current with trends.
You Don’t Collaborate
Another bone-headed move I wish I could go back and do over! I saw everyone as competition and didn’t collaborate. If you correct this one marketing mistake, you immediately solve several others: You tap into new audiences, solidify your brand by who you associate with, AND become more creative.
Collaboration is a powerful promotion tool! Team up and connect with your industry peers. After all, there is strength in numbers.
You may realize you’ve made a few of these mistakes and they won’t ruin you – right now. You need to recognize and then fix them. All this takes is some commitment and education.
I assume your business is your livelihood, something you built from the ground up. So, I also assume you are proud of it. Why wouldn’t you commit to showing it to the world?
