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Please excuse me if I’m stating the obvious, but there are some things people still don’t get. Marketing has changed because people have changed. We live in a world of the flashy and new, and sorry to say it, but you will have to work harder to get us interested, and yes, that means you do have to change (if you haven’t already, seriously, what are you waiting for?). That also means, dare I say it, you have to be creative, because customers aren’t going to give you money for anything anymore (especially after that unfortunate little financial crisis, that I’m sure you’ve all heard about), you’re going to have to earn it.
So starting with baby steps, because we all have to start somewhere, let’s cover the basics. The most important thing you have to do is make sure you have something worth taking and let people know that you do.
Companies, now more than ever, have to really prove the value of their product in order to justify costs. You can’t just charge an obscene amount of money for anything anymore, because somebody else will offer it for cheaper. So, while you could go to Dragon Mart for a massage chair that costs a fraction of the price, are you sure it won’t break the minute you get home?
What does this mean for you? Make sure your profile is constantly updated with any developments, share client testimonials and produce what you preach.
A lot of marketing specialists now rely on the power of social media to promote their products and services. This is a very good channel to reach online users, because it allows fans to help you promote your services as well. On Facebook, when people ‘like’ what you offer, it influences others to do the same. This means you should engage with your customers, listen to feedback and make improvements wherever possible.
Don’t just rely on only one tactic, and don’t ignore customers who are not up to speed with new technology. A good campaign has to include a comprehensive communication strategy using all possible marketing channels. For example, print media can attract housewives who read magazines on a weekly basis; TV commercials can reach people who love to watch for hours and hours. Word of mouth also works effectively with everyone, because we love to learn from other people’s good experiences and get the same results. A great PR campaign will also add credibility to your name.
It’s not going away, and the sooner you embrace it, the sooner you will reap the benefits. Today, mobile technology is a global power that you have to consider in your marketing strategy if you want to influence the evolved customer’s attitude and start generating sales. Recently I came across an iPhone application for Zara, where you can view the new collection and place orders. What a great way to use technology to your advantage?
So while these may all be things that we know and are aware of (and some of you are smacking your heads saying, ‘duh’), it’s absolutely shocking how many people don’t take advantage of these simple tools. Just yesterday, I told a friend to keep up her Facebook page while her website is being launched. Do you know what she replied? ‘What’s the point? I only have 40 fans.’ Seriously? How will you ever get more, if you don’t post something for them to ‘like’?
Anything you still can’t believe companies are doing, or aren’t doing for that matter?