Does My Small Business Need a Marketing Team?
…and how we can help you succeed
DO SMALL BUSINESSES NEED MARKETING TEAMS?
The simple answer to that is ABSOLUTELY. But don't just take our word for it. Let us explain why investing in a marketing team is a smart move for your business.
Welcome to the Information Age, where the online world is a vast realm of opportunities. Whether people are searching for new restaurants, travel destinations, or solutions to their problems, they turn to the internet for answers. Your potential customers are out there seeking information, and your company needs to be readily available to provide the solutions they're looking for. After all, a staggering 97% of people search online for local businesses.
Having an impactful online presence isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. In a world where digital interactions are becoming the norm, businesses that fail to establish themselves online risk falling behind. But you might be wondering, "Does my small business really need a marketing team?" The answer is a resounding yes. Small businesses must leverage the power of the digital space to connect with customers and prospects. It might seem tempting to wait until your business has grown, but consider this: can your company afford to remain invisible in today's competitive landscape?
By establishing an online presence early on, you're not just participating; you're taking control of your narrative. In a digital era where competition is fierce, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram play a crucial role in your marketing strategy. Studies by Hubspot have shown a surge in local searches, highlighting how consumers now rely on online information to make informed decisions about businesses.
Benefits of Marketing
✅ Forge personal customer relationships
✅ Level the playing field against larger companies
✅ Target your desired audience effectively
✅ Gain insights into your customer base
✅ Customize prices and operating hours to fit your customers' lives
✅ Offer convenient communication channels for customers
✅ Expand your reach even on a tight budget
One of the most significant benefits of digital marketing for small businesses is the availability of free platforms like Facebook and Instagram. However, investing in a dedicated website remains a superior investment. As we discussed in our previous blog, there's a distinct difference between having a social media page and establishing a full-fledged website.
In the current times, where the digital sphere has become essential for businesses of all sizes, partnering with a team of experts can help you not just survive but thrive. A digital marketing team can align your business with your long-term goals and help you connect with your target audience effectively.
Investing in digital marketing doesn't have to break the bank. Small businesses can benefit from scalable plans offered by agencies like BRIGHTSAND Designs. By collaborating with professionals who understand your budget and goals, you'll receive tailored strategies and creative solutions to reach your audience.
In an insightful article by Entrepreneur, the value of a well-executed marketing strategy for guiding businesses toward long-term success is emphasized. While some expenses may be incurred, remember that the cost of digital marketing is often far less than traditional advertising methods.
An Outsider's Perspective
Digital marketing isn't just about utilizing platforms; it's about achieving significant results online. To effectively engage your audience, you must meet them where they are, and today, that's online. Partnering with a marketing team offers a fresh perspective—an outsider's view—that can be incredibly valuable. As a business owner, your energy should be directed toward running your company, not juggling complex marketing strategies.
According to Neil Patel, a renowned marketing expert, hiring a dedicated team can transform your marketing efforts. At BRIGHTSAND Designs, we offer tailored solutions for small and new businesses. We understand that every business is unique, and our dedicated team can provide insights, guidance, and solutions across various areas, including social media, project management, and SEO optimization. Our goal is to enhance your online visibility and market presence.
But How Can Start-Ups Afford This?
The journey to establishing a strong online presence doesn't require an all-in approach. Just as you build a house, you start with a strong foundation, reliable materials, a plan, and a team. Similarly, there are four essential pillars you need to start your digital journey:
✅ Logo and Branding
✅ Brand Guide
✅ Website
✅ Editable Templates
These pillars form the basis of your digital marketing strategy. They represent your identity, voice, and platform for engaging with your audience. Your logo, branding, brand guide, website, and templates collectively contribute to your brand's recognition and success.
Logo and Branding
A logo is the visual representation of your company, and branding is the story that accompanies it. Think of brands like Coca-Cola—its logo and branding go hand in hand, forming an iconic identity.
Brand Guide
Your brand guide is your playbook, defining everything from your mission and vision to your photography style and color palette. It ensures consistency in your messaging across all channels.
Website
A website is your online storefront, providing visitors with insights into your offerings, values, and solutions. It's the place where visitors can become customers, making it an indispensable tool for businesses.
Editable Templates
Editable templates provide consistency to your messaging and branding. They help maintain a cohesive look across different communications, contributing to a professional image.
While having all four pillars is ideal, you can start by focusing on two and gradually build up your digital presence. As your business grows, you can then partner with a digital marketing team to optimize your foundation. Marketing is an investment that yields returns, and with the right strategies in place, you can kick-start your business's journey toward success.
Ready to take your small business to the next level? BRIGHTSAND Designs specializes in helping businesses like yours establish a powerful online presence. Explore our services and discover how we can work together to achieve your business goals. What are you waiting for? Let's embark on this exciting digital journey together!
Unlocking Business Success: The Vital Role of Having a Domain and Website Over Solely Relying on Social Media
We've often been asked about the necessity of a business website when creating a social media page seems so effortless. We understand the concerns surrounding website development, maintenance, and complexities that might deter clients from considering one. However, what some view as a weakness is actually a compelling reason to have a website. Let me explain.
The Power of Social Media: Good, but Is It Great?
An online presence is undeniably crucial, and signing up on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn is a step in the right direction. With nearly half the world's population on social media (approximately 3.196 billion people), the potential audience is vast. However, reaching them often relies on targeted and paid advertising.
While a well-crafted social media strategy, engaging content, and paid advertising can capture the attention of potential customers and boost brand visibility, there are limitations.
Social media operates like word-of-mouth, amplified on a global scale. When used effectively, it can reach thousands or even millions of interested audiences. However, it can also lead to spending significant time on content creation that yields minimal engagement.
Like caring for a pet, social media demands constant attention and interaction. Without daily monitoring and engagement with your audience, loyalty can wane.
Furthermore, social media platforms are saturated with similar businesses, making it challenging to stand out and impeding your business's growth.
Moreover, negative posts can quickly spread, potentially damaging your business's image. Control over the information on social media is limited compared to having a website.
Additionally, relying solely on a social media page doesn't convey a sense of ownership. The platform controls content based on its terms and conditions.
In summary, while social media offers valuable benefits for business success, limiting your online presence to these platforms only scratches the surface.
Your Domain, Your Rules
Having a website provides full control and ownership over your brand. It allows you to showcase exactly who you are, your purpose, and what differentiates your business from others.
Customers expect credible companies to have a website, and establishing one demonstrates dedication and professionalism, instilling trust in potential customers.
Unlike a social media page, a website isn't limited to sharing information; it enables direct transactions, much like a physical store. Your domain becomes your 'online real estate,' an enduring business asset. It provides stability even if social media platforms change their terms and conditions.
In summary, while we acknowledge the benefits social media brings, relying solely on it won't maximize your company's potential. A website isn't merely a supplement to your social media presence; it serves as the foundation for your business's online success.
At Brightsand Designs, we understand the significance of a well-crafted website in unlocking your business's true potential. Our expertise in website design and development can help you create a compelling online presence that resonates with your audience. Let us guide you in building a website that showcases your brand's unique identity and drives success in the digital world. Together, we can take your business to new heights.
Navigating Business Growth during COVID-19: Strategies for Success in a Time of Corona
COVID-19 is testing us all. With the understanding that we might not be out of the woods for a few months or more, businesses of all sizes are struggling to find their place and footing in this challenging climate. In this article, we will provide brief but essential insights on how you can keep your business moving forward by building up your brand, protecting your staff, and staying true to your values during this time of coronavirus.
Connecting with Your Customers during a Crisis
Digital marketing has proven to be incredibly beneficial during this crisis, regardless of the type of business you run. As more people stay at home, they increasingly rely on online purchases and information gathering. E-commerce businesses, in particular, have experienced less impact compared to physical stores and services. Therefore, taking your business online or improving your online presence is crucial for growth and maintaining customer engagement. Maximizing your return on investment can be achieved by increasing website traffic, social media presence, and brand awareness through paid social and Google Ads.
Extending your budget to digital marketing has nothing but long-term benefits for your business. It may come with a few challenges, but it is a strategic and effective step that your business can rely on as we approach a 'new normal'.
Refreshing Your Brand and Improving Your Customer Experience (CX)
While honoring your values and authenticity at your core, businesses should consider pivoting their strategies during these times. This period of uncertainty allows for reflection on values and mission, leading to innovative ways to engage customers, employees, or clients.
Brand maintenance is important, but a brand refresh can make a significant impact. Utilize this opportunity to refresh your brand or website to prepare for the future. The increased online attention allows for making small or significant changes to enhance the customer journey. Tidy up your social media profiles and keep customers informed about what to look forward to with your products, services, or company updates. These seemingly small adjustments can steer potential and loyal customers in your direction.
If you feel overwhelmed and unsure about where and how to make these changes, we can help. Our team can assess your existing strategy, understand your challenges, and propose competitive solutions to maximize your website and online presence for your customers.
Remember, you don't have to go through this alone. Get in touch with our team at BRIGHTSAND designs, a full-service creative digital agency. We can help you build, create, and maintain long-term customer engagements and sales through online-driven solutions for your business. With our end-to-end creative and digital marketing services, your business can maintain momentum and reach customers despite the ongoing pandemic.
This pandemic is just a short-term phase in our timeline, and having a steady, long-term marketing plan is exactly what your business needs today. The sense of security will return, towns and cities will reopen, and people will carry on with their lives as if none of this ever happened. When that time comes, your customers will know EXACTLY where to go.