I had the pleasure of speaking with Sherry Knight from Dimension 11 on her podcast the Knight Views on CJTR Radio.
As the new year was approaching (this happened in December 2019), our conversation focused on new businesses and marketing. The short and sweet of our 30-minute conversation: The best approach to small business marketing in Regina.
I broke it down into three digestible parts for small business owners to focus on: A marketing plan, branding and social media.
Here is the “Coles Notes Version” of our radio chat:
1. Marketing Plan—
First and foremost, all businesses should have a marketing plan. There is a plethora of online resources outlining recommended items to be included in a marketing plan.
“A marketing plan is a report that outlines your marketing strategy for the coming year, quarter or month.”
Personally, I try and simplify my clients marketing plan to the nth degree—especially when a client has a good grasp of their overall business. I like to focus on a few key items and keep it as simple as possible:
An overview of the business’s marketing and advertising goals
A description of the business’s current marketing position
A timeline of when tasks within the business’s strategy will be completed
Key performance indicators the business will be tracking
A description of the business’s target market and customer needs
Before answering the questions above, thorough research, exploration and review are required. It is important to have a 360-degree understanding on both the business and business’s target market. In addition, to what has worked in the past and what hasn’t—in order to make the appropriate adjustments going forward.
2. Branding—
After a marketing plan is created, it is important to address the business’s branding and ensure it is aligned to the marketing plan.
At the end of the day, a company’s brand is essentially what someone thinks of the company’s business—however, with the correct marketing in place, a business can greatly assist in shaping peoples’ perceptions.
Marketing has the power to tell a company’s story in a way that is congruent with their marketing plan through strategic branding. Which is why I love marketing!
3. Social Media —
Last but not least—social media! A business can greatly benefit by creating social media accounts on platforms that their ideal clients frequent. Social media allows small businesses to promote their business and provides an easy outlet for businesses to share their stories.
Statistics show that more and more people are making purchase decisions based on social media. Brands are able to build trust and form relationships with potential clients.
“74% of consumers rely on social networks to help with their purchasing decisions.”
In the podcast with Sherry, we dive deeper into the importance of marketing plans, branding and social media for small businesses.
If your company is seeking more information on small business marketing in Regina, or just want to talk shop, contact me. I would LOVE to chat. Call at 306.502.5778 or send me a line here.
