The idea of marketing your business can seem daunting, but increasing your brand presence doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Whether you’re launching a new business or planning a move, we’ve compiled an essential marketing checklist to set your business up for success. If you need help along the way, GKA, our creative agency with a presence in the DC region and Tampa, is here to help.
Branding
- Begin with a strong focus on branding and establishing your brand identity. Establishing brand guidelines (logos, fonts, colors, design elements, etc.) is crucial for consistency. Dedicate time to establishing your brand to ensure that your content is consistent and that people can recognize your brand easily.
Website
- Buy your domain name and launch your website. Your site will be a great source of information for people who are curious about your brand and a great way to tell your brand story.
- Incorporate SEO into your marketing efforts right from the start by doing some keyword research and looking for opportunities to build links.
Social Media
- Claim your listing on Google My Business and other directories such as Yelp and TripAdvisor if you have a brick-and-mortar location or office. This ensures the information about your location is consistent and easily navigable for your customers.
- Create social media pages on the platforms your audience uses, and claim profiles on other platforms you don’t plan on using to prevent any confusion. Tell your audience about your mission and share behind-the-scenes content as you get ready to sell your products.
Email Marketing
- Build your email list by encouraging customers to sign up and receive exclusive updates or future deals.
Traditional Media
- Don’t overlook offline channels to increase awareness. You can target customers in specific locations with a mix of podcasts/radio, broadcast TV, over-the-top streaming, direct mail and print ads.
Subhead: Public Relations & Events
- Establish partnerships with journalists, influencers, bloggers, industry publications, city officials, and your local Chamber to increase your exposure.
- Develop a press kit that is downloadable on your website with fast facts and contact information for journalists to get in touch.
- Explore different types of promotional events to get people excited about your products or services. For instance, live video use jumped 22% in 2021 compared to 2020, and it’s a great way to connect with your audience while creating a sense of anticipation.
Relocation Marketing For Small Businesses
With our recent expansion to Tampa, we understand what it takes to relocate your business. Moving to a new location means you’ll have to notify the IRS, your state’s business division, and your customers. You can use this checklist to keep your customers in the loop:
- Announce your move in advance and share updates regularly with your audience. It’s an opportunity to talk about how your business is growing and make loyal customers a part of this journey.
- Introduce yourself to your market through social media, your website and other communication channels. Then, reward your new customers for their purchases.
- Update your NAP (name, address, phone) on your website, social media profiles, and email signature.
- Create and verify a new listing on Google My Business, and send a request to have your reviews transferred. Fill out this new profile with your hours and add images of your new location.
- Use a local citation tool such as Yext to find all mentions of your business online and claim your different directory listings to update them.
- Consider geo-location campaigns, such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Yelp Ads and other geo-location services to increase awareness by geo-targeting potential customers who are seeking similar products and services.
For most small businesses, developing a marketing strategy can come with a lot of overhead. However, successful marketing doesn’t always hinge on how much you spend on it. GKA can help you during your move or assist you as you launch your business with a start-up package that includes everything you need to establish a strong digital presence. Let’s work together. Contact us to learn more about a marketing checklist that’s unique to your needs.
About the Author
Sarah Crisafulli is vice president of brand strategy for GKA, a local ad agency based in Gaithersburg, MD.