The Marketing Mix

It's 2023 which means everyone has a phone or tablet or at least a computer of some sort, right? Maybe. We do know more people in America have internet access than do not. That means potential customers will be searching for you online. In fact, 97% of people search for a business online prior to going into that business! So why do you need a website in 2023? There are a couple reasons... Visibility and credibility: A website is the foundation of an online presence and it gives your business visibility and credibility. It provides potential customers with a way to find out more about your business, products and services, and it establishes your business as a legitimate and professional entity. If you are relying on a social media page as your website, that gives the appearance of a 'fly by night' business that doesn't invest in itself, so why would they be the best place for them to shop!? Reach: A website allows you to reach a global audience, regardless of geographic ...

 It's a new year, so maybe it's a new you? Or at least your business? Here are 10 ways to refresh your marketing strategies and reach new customers with the new year: Set clear marketing goals: Before you can effectively market your business, you need to know what you want to achieve. Take some time to set clear, measurable goals for your marketing efforts. This will help you stay focused and track your progress. For more on setting goals:  Setting Marketing Goals for your Business (bigrapidsdailynews.com) Identify your target audience: Knowing who you want to reach is essential for creating targeted marketing campaigns. Take some time to research your ideal customer and understand their needs, pain points, and interests. For more on fidning your target audience:  Your Target Audience (bigrapidsdailynews.com) Create a content marketing strategy: Content marketing is a powerful way to attract and engage customers. Develop a plan for creating and distributing valuable,...

The most successful companies use a variety of advertising techniques to reach their target audience and promote their products or services. Some common advertising techniques used by successful companies include: Paid advertising: This includes techniques such as television commercials, radio ads, and online ads (e.g., display ads, search ads, social media ads). Paid advertising allows companies to reach a specific audience and target specific demographics. Think of GEICO and their radio and TV ads. Amazon and their digital retargeting ads. Content marketing: This involves creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience. Content marketing can include blog posts, videos, infographics, and other forms of digital media. Influencer marketing: This involves partnering with influencers (individuals with a large following on social media or other platforms) to promote a company's products or services. Influencer market...

Marketing is an essential part of any business, but it can also be expensive. However, there are many effective marketing practices that cost little or no money at all. Here are some of the best marketing practices that won't break the bank: Utilize social media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are free to use and can be great marketing tools for small businesses. By consistently posting relevant content, engaging with followers, and using hashtags, you can reach a wider audience without spending any money. Create valuable content: Providing valuable and informative content can attract potential customers to your business. Consider starting a blog or creating videos that provide helpful tips or solve common problems for your target audience. Network and collaborate: Building relationships with other businesses or industry professionals can be an effective way to market your business. Consider partnering with complementary businesses to cross-promote eac...

 SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals that help businesses and individuals plan and achieve their objectives.   The acronym was first introduced in the 1980s as a way to guide goal setting and ensure that goals were clear and attainable. Here is a breakdown of each element of a SMART goal: Specific: A specific goal is clear and specific, and answers the questions "what," "why," and "how." Measurable: A measurable goal can be quantified, so progress can be tracked and measured. Achievable: An achievable goal is realistic and attainable given the resources and constraints of the business or individual. Relevant: A relevant goal is aligned with the overall business or personal objectives and meets the needs of the target audience. Time-bound: A time-bound goal has a specific timeline for completion, which helps to create a sense of urgency and accountability. SMART goals can be helpful in guiding goal setting and en...

Setting marketing goals is an important step in any marketing plan. It helps a business determine what they want to achieve through their marketing efforts and provides a roadmap for success. Here are some steps to help a business set marketing goals: Define your target audience: Understanding your target audience is crucial in setting marketing goals. Identify who your ideal customers are and what they need or want from your business. Identify your business objectives: Determine what your overall business goals are, such as increasing sales or expanding into new markets. This will help guide your marketing goals. Determine your marketing budget: Consider how much you are willing and able to spend on marketing efforts. This will help narrow down your options and make it easier to set realistic goals. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals: It's important to set specific and measurable goals so you can track your progress and determine if you ar...