People often ask me; “but what are the MOST important things I need in place FIRST?”
I don’t really have an answer for that. Sure, there are many things that can be seen as add-ons to your marketing strat and execution (especially with a very tight budget), but when it comes to marketing you need a very holistic approach.
I usually tell clients to think of themselves as Shrek in Shrek’s swamp (the kids have clearly had their effect on me J). Your marketing is like a swamp; a delicate eco-system. Take out the birds and the swamp slowly dies. Take out the frogs and the swamp slowly dies. Take out the reeds and the swamp slowly dies. It doesn’t happen overnight and might not be very noticeable, but your marketing eco-system can’t sustain itself without certain elements.
Just take a look at the following:
Website
Over 70% of consumers stated that if a business doesn’t have a website they won’t do business with that company. Not having a website diminishes consumer trust and since over 80% of consumers Google for services and products, your competitors will clearly have the upper hand. If you simply advertise on social media; where are you sending traffic that actually leads to conversions?
Social Media
Do you have a strong and consistent social media presence? If not; how do you want to reach and educate people about your business on a sustainable basis? How will you notify people regarding promotions or new products and services? If you are still playing in a space of handing out flyers on street corners or shopping malls you need to urgently re-evaluate a few things.
SEO
Whether it’s your content SEO (on your website as well as social media platforms) or whether it’s back-end SEO; THIS is what makes you rank on search engines. THIS is the difference between being on the first or second page or the 60th page of Google when people search for your kind of products or services. I never click to view any search results after page 2; do you?
CI (Corporate Identity)/Brand Design
It doesn’t take a marketing expert to spot low quality imagery or a logo downloaded from Google and edited in Paint. Many argue that “customers aren’t looking for pretty pictures or paying attention to my logo; they just want good service and high quality products”. Take a look at the following images and tell me which one you would prefer to do business with?
If you are in need of any assistance with the above mentioned or have some questions, please give us a shout at info@brandcentralstation.co.za