Running a small business can be quite the task for even the most accomplished entrepreneur.

Marketing a new business, or a business that is looking to grow, can be one of the most important factors in whether or not the business venture is successful.

So, how can you go about marketing your small business so that it is clicking in all cylinders? Among the items to focus in on include:

Utilize Testimonials

Testimonials are one of the most powerful marketing tools out there.

They show a potential customer that you have successfully met the needs of someone who was looking for the same type of service.

You can utilize these by posting them on your website, or including them in periodic information that you send out to new and returning customers. Testimonials allow potential customers to trust your company to deliver on the promises that you have made about the quality of your service.

The other benefit of testimonials comes through word of mouth marketing.

When people are excited about the service they have received from your company they will be eager to share their experience with others.

This is one of the most powerful forms of advertisement because there is often nothing in it for the person sharing the information. This allows a level of trust which is difficult for direct advertisements to rival and often converts new business into loyal customers.

Ask Customers for Recommendations

Even customers who are thoroughly pleased by the service that your business provided often won’t share their experience with others. This can be remedied by a simple call to action on the part of the business.

By simply asking return customers to submit a review on the internet, or tell their friends about the business, you can often find new customers who will become stable business.

By making the request you let your customers know that you would appreciate their support in a tangible way. This is often all they need to start spreading the word about the benefit you have provided to them through your business.

Stay in Contact

The best way to convert one time shoppers into returning customers is to reach out and invite them to return.

Often people simply forget about the service that was provided by your company because it didn’t take up a significant amount of their time. By reminding them of their pleasant experience with your company you can ensure that they will return if they ever need your service again.

You can achieve this through an e-mail list, or simply a follow-up phone call to see whether their visit was satisfactory. The more they think about your business, the more likely they will be to return.

Make Your Company Stand Out

A lot of companies are trying to market themselves as the best in their field. The only way to be successful in beating out the competition is to make sure that your marketing strategy stands out from the competition.

You can do this by creating attention catching flyers or e-mails, handing out free promotional items, or creating an inspiring video campaign centered around the service that your company provides. This can be one of the more crucial aspects for marketing your small business correctly.

Target Your Advertising

Your small business probably has an ideal consumer who has very specific attributes.

If you are a sports equipment company you are trying to sell to athletes. If you are a surgeon you are targeting people who need surgery. Understanding the demographics of your target audience is very important when it comes to attracting new customers.

Figure out who your ideal customer is and then decide which marketing medium will be the most likely to reach them. This can be the difference between a successful marketing campaign and an unsuccessful one.

By following these tips for marketing your small business correctly you will be a step ahead of your competitors. This will allow you to get your message to the right people in order to convert them into loyal, returning customers.

Marketing your small business correctly could be the best decision you make for your growing enterprise, so get started today.

As a small business owner, what are the most successful ways you market your company?

Photo credit: rhinomarketresearch.com

About the Author: Thomas Verdone is an author who covers a wide range of topics, including finance, fitness, personal development, and Bluegreen Resorts.