Have you ever mixed all the ingredients for a cake, poured them into a baking pan, and then sat them on the counter hoping they would magically bake themselves?
No?
Then why would you ever invest time and money into setting up a business and then fail to do the marketing? It is like throwing a party and forgetting to invite anyone.
Even if you have all the makings of an amazing business with the best product in the world, you will not be successful without marketing.
Everything in your business depends on marketing. So, if you have been procrastinating about this, it is time to get out of your own way, stop holding your business back, and get it done.
Need more convincing? Let’s take a look at why marketing is so essential, and what you are missing out on without it.
Why Is Marketing Essential For Your Business?
Be Visible
It doesn’t matter what you are selling. Whether it’s a product, a service, or even an idea, it is impossible to sell it if nobody knows it exists. Even if your offering is superior to your competitors. The hard truth is that if they are marketing it and you are not, guess who will get the sales?
Being visible does not have to be hard. It doesn’t even have to cost a lot. It simply costs some time and some creativity.
Take Control
The only way you can be sure that the right message is getting out in the marketplace is to take control. Sometimes, people will have heard of your product without marketing. They might be discussing it, sharing reviews and opinions, and forming their own impression of your brand without any direction or information from you.
You have no control over any of this – unless you start marketing.
Marketing is your way of shaping how people perceive your brand. You should also use it to add credibility to your offerings. Ultimately, you can’t control what people say about you. But, you can provide the image, messaging, and content to convince people to see your business in the way you want them to.
Build Brand Recognition
Did you know that it can take seven interactions (or sometimes more) for a potential client to notice and remember you? Without a marketing plan, you will struggle to make that happen even once, let alone half a dozen times!
Why does it take so long? Trust is a key factor in many purchasing decisions. People are wise to spammy sales messages. They don’t like advertising that demands an instant decision. They want to get to know your business first. That is why they need so many touch points.
Utilising both online and offline marketing to target your ideal customers creates brand recognition that will boost sales and attract new clients.
Stand Out From The Competition
There is always going to be competition. Unless you have an exceptionally unique product or service, there will be others out there with the same offering as you. It could be an a small scale, or even a large scale.
Think about it this way… Imagine your products lined up on a shelf next to similar items from your competitors. Why should people choose your brand if they have never heard of you? Marketing is a way to communicate the unique advantages and personality of your brand. That way, buyers can make a conscious decision to support your business.
Grow Your Business
What would your answer be if I asked you about your business was doing?
If your answer is anything other than ‘growing’, then it could be a concern. Even if your business is performing well enough to keep you happy right now, there is no guarantee it will stay that way.
Not only do you need marketing to attract new clients and customers, but also to convince your existing customers to stick around and keep buying from you. Realistically, if your business isn’t growing, it could become stagnant and may be in danger of not lasting the distance.
Marketing boosts your customer base and increases revenue, keeping your business healthy.
So What Is The Solution?
Get out of your own way! Stop letting fear and procrastination get the better of you. Send that email, write that blog, and post that content on social media. You are doing your potential and existing clients a disservice if you don’t let them know about your business.
I know it can be hard to know what to say and when to say it. Which is why a marketing strategy will be a key part of your success. If you don’t have one on place then get in touch with me today. I can help you to plan out your marketing so that you convey the right kind of message and attract the right people to your business. Get in touch today.