If you’re a coach, consultant or course creator, then you know that marketing is key to your success. The problem is – you may hate social media, have little time for it, or simply find it overwhelming. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. The good news is there are still plenty of marketing strategies you can use to promote your small business without social media and still get great results.
Marketing foundations
If there’s one thing I know after nearly two decades as an online marketer, it’s that you can do marketing without social media and still have a thriving business! You just need a few marketing foundations in place. These are important components of marketing – whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for a while.
Have a clear value proposition
Having a powerful value proposition is essential in creating what I call a Magnetic Message. This message will help you stand out from competing service providers, attract high-quality customers and showcase your unique & valuable services. Like a compass, your value proposition helps potential clients navigate the crowded marketplace and point them in the direction of your services. You can use your value proposition on your website and when you speak with people in networking scenarios so they clearly see the benefits of working with you.
Create a professional website
Once you have a clear value proposition, you’ll need a website to convey your message. Your website should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and clearly communicate your services, pricing, and contact information. It should also include testimonials from satisfied clients to build trust and credibility.
If you are not ready to invest in help from a web designer, consider using a template website. For example, WordPress offers free website templates called “Themes”, which you can use to your advantage in the meantime. To ensure a professional looking web presence – use the design as presented! Keep content concise by using limited words or phrases that will fit into designated template spaces.
Add content to your website
By sharing your expertise and insights through blog content on your website, you can establish yourself as an authority in your industry, which can help you build credibility and trust with potential clients. By including calls to action (CTAs) in your blog content, such as sign-up forms for free resources, you can generate leads and build your email list.
Also, by regularly publishing high-quality blog content that includes relevant keywords and links, you can improve your website’s SEO and increase your visibility for free on search engine results pages. If this is of interest to you, be sure to watch my video, “How to Choose the Right Type of Marketing for Your Business”, which includes the marketing activities to invest in in order of importance so you make the most of your time and marketing budget.
How to do marketing without social media
With the three marketing foundations in place, you’re ready to interest potential clients and gain their trust with a professional web presence that demonstrates your expertise. Now it’s time to expand your network and increase opportunities for your business.
Attend networking events
Networking with other small business owners, coaches, and consultants can help you build relationships and expand your reach. You can find networking events in your area with a quick Google search such as “Business Networking Near Me”. Be sure to add events of interest to your calendar every month to build relationships and stay top of mind. Online networking events are also available such as BNI Online (Business Networking International), Women’s Prosperity Network, Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) for those 45 and under, and more!
Develop a referral program
Encourage satisfied clients to refer their friends and colleagues by offering incentives like a 10% referral payout or a discount on their next service. Referral payouts and word of mouth can be a powerful marketing tool for service businesses. You don’t need to invest in affiliate management software for this. The simpler your approach, the better it works! Simply ask your new customers who referred them and allocate the appropriate incentives from there.
Utilize offline marketing tactics
If you have a marketing budget, consider using traditional marketing tactics such as direct mail, flyers, or print ads to reach potential customers. If you go this route, you may want to work with an experienced marketer who can develop the wording and/or graphics for your advertising so it stands out, catches attention, and persuades people to take the action you want such as calling you or filling out a form at your website.
What to do now
By focusing on the three marketing fundamentals, and doing strategic marketing without social media, you can widen your network, attract the right clients, and grow your service business. However, it’s important to remember that marketing is an ongoing process, and you may need to experiment with different tactics to find what works best for you.
If you’re ready to invest in the next level of growth for your business, and you want expert help to develop the right marketing mix for your business, book a call to explore the options and possibilities.
