In the 21st century, there have been industry changes, mass production and a constant shift in trends. This has resulted in competition becoming more fierce than ever before. For this reason, it is essential to have the right tools and resources to meet your audience, differentiate from your competitors and also break through barriers of entry. With the evergrowing competition and more businesses starting each day, it is becoming even more difficult for startups and small businesses to compete with the larger businesses that are more reputable. In this article, we will delve into how to promote your business in order to break through these barriers, differentiate from your competitors and meet your perfect audience.
Create A Website
Having a website is essential to your side hustle success in this modern age. Without a website, you are basically considered as being obsolete compared to your competitors. This is a one-way ticket to losing potential customers.
Creating a website for your side hustle has never been so easy. If you don’t have the skills to hardcode a website, there are plenty of content management systems available out there that can help you to build a functioning website in no time at all.
Once your website is created, ensure that it is optimised for search engines with SEO. For example, if you were offering a copywriting service in Manchester, this keyword should be on the website on a separate page from your other services. If you were selling a product such as a NATO watch strap, then this should also have its own page with relevant content.
Use Social Media
Harness the power of social media marketing to effortlessly connect with a wide audience. Begin by sharing updates on your personal accounts, and consider creating a dedicated business account depending on the scale of your side hustle. You can also maximise visibility by linking your personal and business accounts.
Don’t hesitate to directly approach your friends and family, kindly requesting them to follow your business account. If you’re comfortable, you could even ask them to share your posts, amplifying your reach and exposure.
If you choose to do social media marketing, then it is best to only market on platforms where your audience is which is why it is so important to understand your target market before doing this as you could be wasting your time and money.
Make The Most Of Referrals
Referrals from satisfied clients are the most invaluable source of new business. The foundation of receiving recommendations lies in delivering exceptional service and cultivating strong relationships with each client.
Effective communication also plays a significant role. Keeping clients informed and being open to seeking assistance when needed can foster strong relationships. As your portfolio of client relationships grows, it’s worth considering asking a select few for reviews that can be showcased on your website. These testimonials serve as compelling evidence of your credibility and can solidify your online reputation for prospective customers who discover you without a direct referral.