In a world driven by social media, it's easy to think that it's the only way to market ourselves. However, we often forget the good old-fashioned tactics that still work wonders.
In 2009, at the ripe age of 21, I started my first design company with the original focus of working as an Interior Designer. I created a brand and a website myself and went for it, without once thinking about "What if I fail?" or "What if no one wants to work with me?" I would meet people and listen with intent, because a lot about having someone buy into you is knowing how and when to sell yourself.
"People do business with people they like." We hear it all the time, but it's true. When you're speaking to someone, always see it as building a genuine friendship. Ask questions and get a feel for where they are at in life, and if there is a solution you can provide. It's been something natural for me. Often, it doesn't even feel like sales, but I have met clients in the most peculiar places, like washing my hands in the bathroom, having dinner at a restaurant bar alone, or even on airplanes.
The secret is not to look for a sale, but rather listen with intent when an opportunity presents itself and share that you would be happy to help if you can. Sometimes the fear of being rejected or feeling awkward talking about what you do holds us back, but often times we wait for the sale to come to us or we don't go for it out of fear.
My brother always jokes about how I can make friends with a wall. True story: when I was a little girl, I spoke to strangers all the time. Once, my dad and older sister told me to go ask a lady a question in the mall. I walked over to her, realized she did not respond, and discovered she was a mannequin! [insert face slap] The two of them were laughing in the background.
My point is, you can't be afraid to talk to people. Some of my highest sales conversion rates are from people I have met in person or been referred to. Now, don't get me wrong, digital marketing and social media are great too. I mean, let's face it, you have no clue who I am. I essentially just appeared out of thin air, and you're now reading this blog.
So, let's jump into what you came here for! Here are 7 tips on how to market yourself and your business:
Get out and meet people: Attend networking events, conferences, and social gatherings relevant to your industry. Engage in meaningful conversations and build genuine connections. Follow up with them to nurture the relationship and stay "front of mind."
Follow-up: Statistics suggest that it takes 7-8 "touches" or encounters before someone decides to make a purchase. Don't give up after just a few follow-ups. Reach out through various channels, like email, social media, or even meeting up for coffee.
Nurture: Develop a consistent nurturing plan that includes regular check-ins, valuable content sharing, and personalized interactions. By consistently providing value and staying engaged, you increase the likelihood of converting leads into customers.
Social media: Create a strong presence on the platforms where your target audience is most active. Share valuable content, engage with your followers, and participate in relevant discussions to showcase your expertise and build trust.
Email marketing: Build an email list of potential customers who have shown interest in your products or services. Create a series of emails that provide value, educate your audience, and gradually guide them towards a purchase.
Online ads: Use platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and LinkedIn Ads to reach a targeted audience and drive traffic to your website. Create compelling ad copy and visuals that grab attention and communicate your value proposition clearly.
SEO: Optimize your website for relevant keywords and provide valuable content to attract organic traffic and generate leads. Build high-quality backlinks, improve your website's loading speed, and ensure a user-friendly experience to boost your SEO efforts.
Marketing yourself and your business takes a combination of old-fashioned tactics and modern strategies. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, build genuine relationships, and consistently provide value. With persistence and a willingness to seize opportunities, you can successfully market yourself and your business in today's competitive landscape, just like I did when I started my design company at the age of 21.
If you have questions feel free to email us at create@strandsofsilver.co
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