5 Key Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses in 2017

Marketing is always changing, and if you’re a small business owner aiming to grow in 2017, staying up-to-date with the latest trends is crucial. Before diving into specific strategies, remember that the basics are vital. Make sure you clearly understand your target customer and what makes your business unique.

Video content is becoming increasingly popular. If you’re not already using video, it’s time to start. Here’s how you can take advantage of video’s power:

– YouTube deserves special attention since it’s the second largest search engine after Google. This platform offers vast internal traffic. By consistently developing your channel, you can reach many potential customers. The opportunity size will vary based on your market, but it’s usually significant. Check out what your competitors are doing on YouTube by searching for your main market keywords.

– Webinars have become a significant marketing tool in recent years. These are scheduled video sessions focused on a particular topic. You can use webinars to teach your customers how to use your product or solve a problem. The key is to provide value upfront and then, optionally, pitch an offer at the end. Authenticity here is critical—help people genuinely, and then present them with more options if they choose to take them.

Personalization at scale is becoming essential. Consumers want more than generic messages. They expect experiences and offers tailored to their needs and preferences. You can achieve this through marketing automation. Many tools can customize your marketing based on your prospects’ actions, like the pages they visit, the emails they open, or the products they buy.

Content marketing is particularly effective for growing your business on a budget. Producing high-quality content that provides value to your audience positions you as an expert in your field, building trust. People prefer to buy from those they know, like, and trust.