As a business owner, you’ll likely have a lot on your plate. From managing finances to dealing with suppliers and delighting your customers - your job is never done.
But let’s hit pause on the chaos for a sec. How much are you investing into actively marketing your business?
The way it normally goes for small businesses is this: you have a limited budget, you do a few posts on social media here and there but you have no real marketing plan to follow because you’ve been so busy keeping the business afloat.
While it’s not your fault, always being on the back foot with marketing has consequences. In the least scary way possible, here’s how things might go if you neglect to invest in your marketing.
The Silent Business Killer
Focusing too much on short-term sales and not enough on long-term marketing strategy is a silent business killer. With no strategy in place, you run the risk of becoming a “one-and-done” option; customers will buy from you once and leave with no incentive to return.
The trick is to position yourself as the go-to option in your industry and focus on customer sentiment. That way, your competitors won’t even cross the mind of your customers.
The Vanishing Act
Ever heard the saying, "Out of sight, out of mind?” That's precisely what happens when you forget to market your business. You slowly fade into the background, and potential customers forget you even exist. The result? Lost sales and missed growth opportunities.
It’s time to be visible in whatever way makes sense to your business. Have an in-person store? Make sure your location is signposted on your website and social platforms. Offer a service? Start sharing the benefits on your Instagram and create some videos showing how it works. The more you put yourself out there, the less you’ll fade into the background.
No Action, No Interest
Without conscious marketing efforts, your flow of customers is at risk of drying up. No growth means the very future of your business is uncertain. If you're not reminding customers why they should choose you, they'll move on to the next shiny thing that piques their interest. Neglecting marketing means you risk losing your hard-earned customers to competitors who are investing in their marketing. It’s a bit like being in a race, but instead of running, you’re sitting on the sidelines.
Questionable Credibility
Say your customer learns of your business but when they do a quick Google Search, they can’t find anything about you online: no website, no active social media pages, no online reviews… that can damage the credibility of your business. Without that trust, people will be reluctant to spend money on what you’re selling.
Instead, make sure you’re always publishing positive feedback online and keeping your website up to date with new information. You could post special offers or share industry-specific advice to inform buying decisions. The more value you offer, the better.
Now you should understand the consequences of neglecting marketing for your business. It's not about adding another task to your already busy schedule; it's about guaranteeing the long-term success of your business. Marketing doesn't have to be a daunting beast. It can be as simple as staying active on social media or sending out a monthly newsletter.
Just remember, investing in marketing isn't just an expense, it's a crucial investment in the future of your business.
Ready to take your business to new heights? T Clarke Freelance can help. I’ve worked with many businesses like yours, providing them with a tailored marketing strategy and scroll-stopping content that promises to turn followers into customers. Book a free consultation with me and get your hands on free content ideas that you can implement straight away using the resources you already have.
