Getting Your Small Business Noticed is as Easy as 1, 2, 3

... From Biz2Biz NWA January 2009

By Jacqueline Wolven

Small businesses need effective ways to get noticed– not only to drive sales efforts, but to stay in the mind of their current and future customers. There are several easy things that a small business can do to punch the needle in their marketing efforts.

1. Blog about your passion– we live in a time like no other. You have an expertise about what you do, and the adage in writing is to write what you know. That makes you the perfect person to write about what you do and how it is working for you. Readers want an authentic voice when they are reading blogs, and nothing is more authentic then your voice. If, because of the demands of a small business you need to have your marketing or public relations consultant write for you, share your ideas so they can help you craft a plan to spread your voice to the blog world. Any way you do it you will drive traffic to your site through SEO– Google loves content!

2. Talk about what you do– every community has civic groups that need speakers. There is always a story in a business. Why did you start the company? What would you share with new business owners? You have great stories to share to trumpet your brand to your community. People want to know what you do and why you do it.

3. Send customers an email– they want to know what is new in your business, and an email campaign using Constant Contact or other email newsletter provider can help you deliver that to their in-box. Email news that is just for them, something special to share with your customers that they only find in your emails. Share industry innovations with this online group– they are your best customers because they gave you permission to email them, so give them something great!

Whether you do these yourself or by partnering with a marketing consultant, you will see increased traffic for a low cost investment. Share your zeal, talk about successes, and offer special deals to your most trusted customers. Getting noticed really is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Author/ expert Jacqueline Wolven, "The Smartest Girl in the Room,” offers marketing and public relations to passionate small businesses throughout the US and NW Arkansas. Email questions to jacqueline@moxieworks.net