A Guide to Business Marketing Methods

Venturing out into the business world is full of rewarding experiences, as such an endeavor is vast in challenges and experiences. A major aspect of starting a successful business is getting people and other businesses to know that your company exists. The best way to do this is through proactive marketing.

The overall goal of marketing your business's products or services is to attract as many customers as possible, by reaching out and connecting on various levels. This is best accomplished through proactively implementing business marketing methods that encompass what your business is, including digital marketing approaches and 'real world' interactions.

There are numerous methods by which your business is able to market to potential customers. However, initially you will want to establish what your business does and what the business stands for, in order to know how to promote it. Determining a clear definition of your brand helps the company to have an identity that fits.

Additionally, it is best to know your customer target base before marketing, as this allows for a greater focus on the direction that you want your business to go in and for better results from targeted marketing.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is ever increasing and here to stay. This type of marketing method includes the following:

● Facebook advertising involves a wide audience variety

● Google My Business focuses on local customers

● Google Adwords presents 1000's of potential visuals for customers each second

● Content Marketing focuses on defining long-term consistent content to specific customer audiences

● Social Media tools such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube are absolutely necessary

● Emails, including promotions and growing your email marketing lists

● Coupon Sites to get your brand seen by other audiences and promote value

● Webinars are greatly effective and often interactive

Involvement with people and the community can also build a positive buzz around your brand. Such ideas for this kind of promotion involve things such as free consultations, offering incentives, getting involved with local business groups, speaking at local events, or even sponsoring local sports teams. However, whether or not local marketing is effective, will largely depend on your business identity and niche.

Funding for Business Marketing

Marketing methods often require a budget in order to be able to promote through numerous channels simultaneously. Some charge directly, and some require manpower to perfrom the promotions. Fortunately, there are a number of different personal funding options that can help you grow the business.

1. Money that comes from family and friends that are willing to help or invest in your business.

2. Charities and government grants provide free funding to your business.

3. Speak with a bank representative to secure a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) which involves providing your home as collateral for a monetary loan.

4. Personal loans or car title loans are another excellent means in which to provide collateral for a business.

5. Community raised funding.

6. Small business credit cards provide the means for an additional working capital.

7. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans include micro-loans and community business focused programs.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding involves presenting your business to investors throughout the world. There are many crowdfunding websites where people give small amounts of money to causes they want to sponsor. These small amounts can add up to larger sums and get your business off the ground. However, this system often requires quite a lot of effort for setting up and marketing, otherwise there is a high change that the campaign simply won't raise the desired funding.

Loans from peer-to-peer lenders is another similar option. You can get lower interest rates through these systems, as most of the money goes to personal lenders. However, as with a bank loan, you will need to pass a credit check. Peer to peer loans work as a group of mini loans between you and personal people, with a platform in the middle that takes a small percentage for setup and management.

Summary

These marketing methods and means of funding are tried and true techniques that have proven their worth in thousands of business throughout the globe. Knowing the direction of your business in tandem with customer focused promotion can bring your business to life, as well as increase the chances of long-term success.

Applying any combination of the mentioned marketing ideas will likely need you to pursue some funding. Fortunately, a multitude of channels and funding options are available for your business, allowing you to consistently increase its visibility and secure the funds required to bring your business to fruition. If you are ready to make your ideas a reality, try checking out some of the funding ideas above to see what's possible.