Everyone constantly evaluates the pitfalls and successes of marketing and uses that data to lay the foundation for a complete pipeline and profitable business in the future. Curious about current trends, we asked the Facebook group “Small Business Think Big” which marketing channels are currently delivering the most results for businesses, and we received a surprisingly diverse range of answers.
Our company and retail stores work extremely well with referrals from clients and the community. People trust people they know. A personal recommendation usually means more than paid advertising. Apart from that, our main marketing vehicle is our website. We've put a lot of effort into making sure it represents our brand, voice and values, and it's definitely paying off. Also, carefully manage your Google Ads and keep your Google My Business profile up to date. With Google Ads, it's important to tailor your keywords to your target audience.
Tip: If you add a meta description to your website's homepage, it will also appear in your ads. Many people don't do this, but it's easy to do. Enter your city or location, and perhaps your main services or things you sell. If you don't use a meta description, you're leaving it at Google's discretion.
See what others are saying!
Many say networking with vendor contacts and local contractors is their primary source of quality leads.
said Trudy Elias Smith of Trudy Smith Designs in Walworth, New York. My contractors are my greatest source of love. I will take good care of these people. Good response. They all know how I design and how I treat customers. ”
This is why it is so important to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with vendors and contractors. They are valuable members of the team.
Also, become part of your local community by attending events, creating networking functions, and joining civic organizations to increase brand awareness and build trust among potential customers. is also very advantageous.
Donna Fedor of Donna Brann Interiors in Scottsdale, Arizona says, “Networking groups are a great source for quality leads. A great group of well-connected people who truly want to help each other. ”.
Ryan Williams of Artisan Design Studio in Atlanta says: Nothing else comes close. ”
Interestingly, many people say that simply sharing their work on social groups and community platforms is more productive than paid advertising.
Madeleine Rose Mayer of New York-based AD:Roit says many of her clients “come from neighborhood Facebook groups, where I actively post my work and demonstrate value.” I often comment on other people's posts for the same reason.” Group members now comment using my name on other inquiries, even if they have never worked with me personally. This is really great. ”
It's important to meet your ideal customers where they are and build a trusting relationship. And what an easy and inexpensive way to do it.
Some said Google, Houzz, and their own websites had the biggest impact. says her girlfriend Keffie Kristine Lancaster of Lancaster Interior Design in Sarasota, Florida. I think the central location and reviews are a big factor. ”
And Sheeja Naar, a California native with Rashi Design in San Ramon, said she has found “amazing and valuable clients and projects” through both Houzz and Google My Business. Her girlfriend Isfira Jensen of Nufacet Interiors in New York City agreed, saying, “The Google Business (local SEO) page contributed a lot to her success.”
Some, like Julie Ann Bauer of Winding Lane Interiors in Cincinnati, have found success through local print media and the additional marketing opportunities it provides. “Our main source of marketing is Scout Guide (TSG) Cincinnati. Not only do they produce gorgeous printed books that are featured in many of the local high-end companies, but they also do a lot of social work that they do. Media marketing, websites, and articles about us also get us a lot of attention. And most importantly, TSG events, cross-marketing promotions that TSG runs, and the things we do with other TSG businesses. That direct connection is what has been so successful for us.”
Regardless of the channels you use for marketing, it's important that your content is optimized, represents your brand, and provides value to your clients. What is working for you? Let us know by sending us an email. We would love to hear your thoughts.
Cheryl Kees Clendenon owns In Detail Interiors, a full-service, design-based retail showroom located in Pensacola, Florida. She also writes a monthly “Retailer to Retailer” column for HAT, where she consults and mentors other small businesses and interior designers. Cheryl@indetailinteriors.com
