Do You Marketing a Product or a Service?
Both
Explain Your Product or Service
As a freelance copywriter, I write marketing copy for businesses that target moms.
As a teacher of copywriting, I sell authoritative reports on copywriting.
How Did You Start Marketing Your Small Business?
I began with a “to do” list and deadline dates for completing each step. I created a timeline to follow until my business progressed, and I kept adjusting my schedule accordingly.
I started marketing my business by cold calling and offering my services pro bono to build my portfolio. I then joined various business networking groups to get my name out there. I also advertised on craigslist.com and sent out sales letters, postcards and brochures. Along the way, I regularly maintained a blog and learned and participated in whatever was trending in marketing, e.g., article marketing, social media, etc.
How Did It Work?
I have three small businesses, and what I have found, across the board, is that networking off line works best.
Article marketing works to bring traffic to my sites.
PPC, when done right, works well and instantaneously.
Direct mail does not work as well, although I continue to use it because it still works for brick and mortar businesses that have not stepped up into the world of social media and the Internet.
As to social media as a marketing tool, it helps. Social media helps to establish you as a real player when you are consistent and when you offer information, direction, comments, resources and content that are of value to your audience.
Advice
- Never give up.
- No matter what marketing vehicle you use, they all take time, persistence and patience. Find three or four that work and work them!!!
- Find a few gurus to follow; don't follow everyone, because it gets overwhelming and you don't want to burn out.
