My mom always said, “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” As a business owner, you know it’s key to spend your business dollars wisely. Like me, you want to learn from others mistakes – for free. This blog will give you concrete ideas and tips on “how to” avoid these costly errors which can help you generate more profits.
I’ve been working with start-ups and small businesses since 1998. These tips are based on their errors and a few of my own. This blog is an excerpt from a 18-page report, request it now. 8 Money Burning Marketing Mistakes that Reduce Profits!
1. It’s not all about you – “needs-based” selling (communication) skills.
Speak in the words of your prospective customers and customers or you won’t reach them.
- Needs (Needs or Advantages – not Features!)
- Dreams and Aspirations
- Immediate Benefit
To learn more read, “Needs-based” selling and writing skills – it’s not all about you! Homepage copywriting tips.
2. Website expectations
Build it and they may come, but will they stay? Will they buy or contact you for more information?
First impressions don’t just count – they are everything in the online world. Learn how to reduce your bounce rate or “evacuation” rate – people who leave quickly, never to return again.
Five must-do’s for your homepage:
- Phone number (top right hand corner) – Don’t you want prospects to call you?
- Testimonials – Let your customers speak for you!
- Keywords research – What phrases are people using to find your competitors?
- Compelling content (good copy writing) – Needs- and benefit-based. It’s all about them. (Refer to tip #1 above.)
- Welcome video – Get staying power or “sticky eyeballs” with a well-done video.
3. Brand identity and online protection
Buy both the .ca and .com domains.
Social media may not be a priority right now and may never be. But you should still set up your free accounts/profiles on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn. Secure your brand identity now before someone, a competitor or teenager takes your business name!
I wrote a blog on this topic, check it out now. Free “brand” insurance. Just one mandatory “must do” whether you’re using social media or not.
4. Poor planning or no plan to attract new customers
The real question comes down to this – what do you need to do differently to make your business more profitable? How do you attract more customers? You need a marketing strategy and plan – your action road map for success and profits.
A client has a create plan and constantly attracts new customers. You will read how I’ve been embarrassed a few times with him in restaurants! You’llBig Al’s 5 ways to build your business while having fun. Learn how to attract more customers today!
5. Value of personalization
Nice set of tips provided here. I think one thing that they all have in common, is that strategy requires research. That you should never assume or expect a certain result without having developed a deep understanding into what a realistic expectation is.
Thanks