guest post by Elise Crawford, Ringlet Studio
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Do you ever feel like trying to market your business is similar to running around like a chicken with its head cut off? You've got blog posts to write, advertisements to create, email funnels to develop and Instagram content to schedule. And that was just this morning!
Running a business isn’t easy, we all know that, but marketing is your business’s wheelhouse: it helps you to bring in revenue on a consistent basis. The answer to your marketing woes: simplifying and strategizing. With a clear, simple marketing strategy, you can actually start reaching your ideal community and selling your products or services online. Below are three steps you can take to implement a smart and effective marketing plan for your wholesale business:
1. Know Your Audience (And Then Double Check!)
Now, you probably started your wholesale business out of passion- you love the product you make and truly believe people will love your products. However, I’d urge you to take a step back and do a bit of research. What pain point are you solving for your target audience? Take some time to interview people’s reaction to your product. Ask them what they like, what they don’t like. Ask them how your product improves their lives. In terms of marketing, find out how you can best reach your audience. What platforms do they spend their time on? What is the best time during the day for you to reach the? Look into your social media and website metrics to best answer these questions.
2. Have Clear Buyers Funnels
Once you determine where you are reaching your audience, write out a clear funnel which you would like your potential buyers to walk through, from first viewing your platforms (website or social media) to clicking “purchase”. Remember, people want to buy what your product can offer them. They want to buy the solution that your product can give them but first, they need to be convinced that your product can provide that solution. On average, someone needs to view an ad at least seven times before they are convinced to take action. It might seem strange, but gaining buyers is often like dating: you have to let your buyers get to know you over time, so give them the opportunity to do so!
Choose three main platforms where your buyers will initially come into contact with you (your social media platforms) which should direct viewers to your website. Then, have clear “call-to-actions” on your website for your viewers to sign up for your newsletter and view your products. You should have at least five call-to-actions on your website. This will give your viewers a chance to interact with you and your brand. A least two of those call-to-actions should be sign-up forms for your email newsletter. Growing your email list is extremely important and allows you to have multiple, personal interactions with your potential buyers. Make sure to interact with your email list at least once a week, telling them about your business and products.
3. Track Metrics and See What’s Working:
Once you have a strong funnel in place, make sure to keep a close eye on what’s working and what’s not. See what platforms are gaining the most traction and double up on your efforts on the platforms that are working. Every quarter, plan out your content to reflect the new products you are launching so that your audience can anticipate them.
Marketing can be fun! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and become visible online!
Elise is offering friends of Wholesale for Creatives 20% off a Marketing Consulting Session!
Just email Elise (elise@ringletstudio.com) and mention Wholesale for Creatives for 20% off your session!
