Growing your subscriber list for a small business newsletter or blog is vital for expanding your reach, increasing engagement, and driving conversions. Building a robust subscriber base allows you to connect with your target audience, nurture relationships, and effectively promote your products or services. In this post, we’ll explore proven strategies for growing your subscriber list, including insights on annual growth benchmarks, email list segmentation, and best practices for maintaining list health through pruning.

 

Importance of Growing Your Subscriber List

Before diving into the strategies, let’s understand why growing your subscriber list is essential for small businesses:

 

Increased Reach: A larger subscriber list means more people receive your content, promotions, and updates, which leads to increased visibility and brand awareness.

 

Higher Engagement: Engaged subscribers are more likely to interact with your emails, visit your website, and make purchases, driving revenue and business growth.

 

Enhanced Customer Relationships: Building a loyal subscriber base allows you to cultivate deeper relationships with your audience, leading to increased trust, loyalty, and customer retention.

 

Targeted Marketing Opportunities: A segmented email list enables you to deliver personalized content and offers tailored to the specific interests and preferences of different audience segments, resulting in higher conversion rates and ROI.

 

Strategies to Grow Your Subscriber List

Create Compelling Content: Produce high-quality, valuable content that resonates with your target audience’s interests, needs, and pain points. Offer actionable insights, educational resources, entertaining stories, or exclusive offers that incentivize visitors to subscribe for more.

 

Optimize Subscription Forms: Place subscription forms prominently on your website, blog, and landing pages, using compelling copy and clear calls-to-action (CTAs) that highlight the benefits of subscribing. Implement A/B testing to optimize form design, placement, and messaging for maximum conversions.

 

Offer Incentives: Encourage subscriptions by offering incentives or lead magnets, such as free ebooks, whitepapers, templates, discounts, or exclusive access to content or events. Ensure that the incentive is relevant, valuable, and aligned with your audience’s interests and needs.

 

Use Pop-Up and Slide-In Forms: Implement pop-up or slide-in subscription forms that appear at strategic moments during a visitor’s interaction with your website or blog. Use exit-intent triggers, scroll triggers, or timed delays to prompt visitors to subscribe before leaving the site.

 

Host Webinars or Events: Organize webinars, workshops, or virtual events on topics relevant to your audience. Require attendees to subscribe to your email list to participate. Leverage event registration forms to capture new leads and grow your subscriber list.

 

Leverage Social Media: Promote your newsletter or blog across your social media channels, encouraging followers to subscribe for updates, exclusive content, or special offers. Use engaging visuals, videos, and interactive content to capture attention and drive traffic to your subscription page.

 

Run Contests or Giveaways: Host contests, sweepstakes, or giveaways that require participants to subscribe to your newsletter or blog to enter. Promote the contest across your digital channels and collaborate with influencers or partners to reach a wider audience and drive engagement.

 

Utilize Paid Advertising: Invest in paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or LinkedIn Ads to promote your newsletter or blog subscription. Target specific audience segments based on demographics, interests, or behavior to maximize the effectiveness of your ads.

 

Optimize for Search Engines: Optimize your website and blog content for search engines to improve your visibility and attract organic traffic. Use relevant keywords, optimize meta tags and descriptions, and create high-quality, shareable content that ranks well in search engine results pages (SERPs).

Encourage Referrals: Implement referral programs or incentives that reward existing subscribers for referring friends, family, or colleagues to subscribe to your newsletter or blog. Offer incentives such as discounts, exclusive content, or entry into prize drawings for successful referrals.

 

Benchmark for Annual Growth

While there’s no one-size-fits-all benchmark for annual subscriber growth, small businesses typically aim for steady, incremental growth in their subscriber list over time. Depending on factors such as your industry, audience size, and marketing efforts, a growth rate of 10% to 20% annually is considered healthy and achievable for most small businesses. However, it’s essential to focus on attracting quality subscribers who are genuinely interested in your content and offerings rather than solely chasing arbitrary growth targets.

 

Email List Segmentation

Segmenting your email list allows you to divide your subscribers into smaller, more targeted groups based on demographics, behavior, or preferences. This enables you to deliver personalized content and offers that resonate with each segment, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates. Here are some common segmentation criteria for small businesses:

 

Demographics: Segment subscribers based on demographic factors such as age, gender, location, income level, or occupation to deliver content and promotions tailored to their specific demographic profile.

 

Behavioral: Segment subscribers based on their past interactions with your emails, website, or products. Categories may include active subscribers, lapsed subscribers, first-time buyers, repeat customers, or cart abandoners.

 

Preferences: Segment subscribers based on their interests, preferences, or content preferences indicated during the subscription process. This may include topics they’re interested in, types of content they prefer, or communication frequency preferences.

 

Purchase History: Segment subscribers based on their purchase history, including past purchases, purchase frequency, average order value, or product categories purchased. This allows you to send targeted product recommendations, cross-sell or upsell offers, or loyalty rewards.

 

Pruning Your Email List

Regularly pruning your email list is essential to maintain list health, improve deliverability, and ensure that you’re reaching engaged subscribers who are interested in receiving your content. Here are some best practices for pruning your email list:

Monitor Engagement Metrics: Monitor key engagement metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates to identify inactive or disengaged subscribers. Set engagement thresholds (e.g., no opens in the last six months) and consider removing subscribers who fall below these thresholds.

 

Re-Engagement Campaigns: Before removing inactive subscribers from your list, attempt to re-engage them with targeted re-engagement campaigns. Send personalized emails with special offers, surveys, or exclusive content to encourage inactive subscribers to re-engage with your brand.

 

Permission-Based Pruning: Respect your subscribers’ preferences and privacy by obtaining explicit permission before removing them from your list. Send a permission-based email asking inactive subscribers to confirm their subscriptions or update their preferences so they can continue receiving emails from you.

 

Segmentation and Suppression: Segment your email list based on engagement levels and suppress inactive subscribers from future email sends. This ensures that you’re only targeting engaged subscribers with your email campaigns, improving deliverability and engagement metrics.

 

Cleanse and Remove Inactive Subscribers: Regularly cleanse your email list by removing inactive or non-responsive subscribers who haven’t engaged with your emails over an extended period. This helps maintain list hygiene and ensures that you’re focusing your efforts on subscribers who are genuinely interested in your content.

 

Growing your subscriber list for a newsletter or blog is a continuous process that requires strategic planning, creativity, and ongoing optimization. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide and focusing on providing value, engaging your audience, and maintaining list health, you can effectively grow your subscriber base and achieve your marketing goals. Remember to track your progress, analyze your results, and adapt your approach based on feedback and data to continuously improve your subscriber growth efforts. With dedication and perseverance, you can build a loyal and engaged subscriber community that drives business success.

 

The post Strategies to Grow Your Subscriber List for a Newsletter or Blog appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

via Succeed As Your Own Boss https://ift.tt/Osx8lSe

Dave Newell is on a mission to “align the misaligned” — connecting leaders with systems that foster outstanding work and personal fulfillment. He collaborates with small business leaders to implement the Five Facets of Business™ — a small business operating system — to optimize processes and foster team alignment around culture, strategy, operations, story, and finances. This framework provides leaders with the necessary clarity and alignment to crush both short and long-term goals. As CEO of Evolve Leadership Consulting, Dave has coached hundreds of leaders both nationally and internationally and has implemented this framework. For more information: www.evolve-consulting.com

In this episode, Melinda and guest Dave Newell discuss achieving business alignment, exploring the 5 facets of business, and understanding the three stages of alignment. They address business issues, the role of values in business design, and the importance of perspective. The episode ends with strategies to prevent small business failure.

Listen to the podcast below:

 

This week on SmallBizChat Podcast:

• Effective business alignment involves ensuring all aspects of a business, including culture, strategy, operations, story (sales/marketing), and finances, are moving in the same direction to scale successfully and overcome common challenges.
• Misalignment in a business can manifest through symptoms such as missed sales targets, internal communication breakdowns, and stagnant revenue, which often indicate systemic issues that require a comprehensive approach rather than isolated fixes.
• The three stages of alignment—alignment, misalignment, and realignment—require leaders to actively engage with the difficult areas of their business, leverage tension to drive positive change, and maintain a dynamic approach to adapt to changing situations and environments.

Resources Mentioned:

Online Courses: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com

Connect with Dave Newell:

• Website:  www.evolve-consulting.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-newell-6325a47
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/evolveleadershipconsult

Get More!

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

 

 

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Align Your Small Business with Dave Newell appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

via Succeed As Your Own Boss https://ift.tt/9EwlgJu

Mastering the art of sales is essential for driving growth and success. One key metric that directly impacts your bottom line is your sales closing rate—the percentage of leads or prospects that ultimately convert into paying customers. Improving your sales closing rate not only increases revenue but also maximizes the return on your sales efforts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore strategies to help small businesses enhance their sales closing rate and achieve greater success.

 

Understand Your Ideal Customer: The foundation of any successful sales strategy is a deep understanding of your target market. Take the time to identify your ideal customer profile—the characteristics, needs, and pain points of the individuals or businesses most likely to benefit from your products or services. By aligning your sales efforts with the needs of your ideal customer, you’ll increase your chances of closing deals effectively.

 

Qualify Leads Effectively: Not all leads are created equal, and focusing your efforts on unqualified leads can waste time and resources. When it comes to leads, there are Marketing Qualified Leads and Sales Qualified Leads. They represent two distinct stages in the lead generation and conversion process. Both terms are used to categorize leads based on their readiness to move through the sales funnel, but they represent different levels of engagement and qualification. You may also want to implement lead scoring and buyer intent reviews.

Lead scoring is a method used to rank prospects based on their perceived value to your business. It involves assigning scores to leads based on various factors such as demographics, behavior, engagement level, and firmographics such as company size and revenue. The purpose of lead scoring is to identify which leads are most likely to convert into customers so that the sales team can prioritize their efforts.

 

• Define Criteria: Determine the criteria that indicate a high-quality lead for your business. This could include factors such as job title, company size, website interactions, email engagement, etc.

 

• Assign Scores: Assign numerical values to each criterion based on its importance and relevance to your business. For example, leads from larger companies might be assigned higher scores than leads from smaller ones.

 

• Track and Monitor: Continuously track and monitor leads as they interact with your business. Update lead scores based on their actions and behaviors over time.

 

• Prioritize Outreach: Focus your sales efforts on leads with higher scores, as they are more likely to be interested in your product or service and therefore, more likely to convert.

 

• Refine Criteria: Periodically review and refine your lead scoring criteria based on feedback from your sales team and the performance of your leads. Adjust scores as needed to improve accuracy and effectiveness.

 

Buying intent refers to the likelihood that a prospect is actively considering making a purchase. It is determined by analyzing various signals and behaviors exhibited by the prospect, such as website visits, content consumption, engagement with marketing materials, etc. Understanding buying intent enables businesses to tailor their sales and marketing efforts better to meet the needs and interests of potential customers.

 

• Track Online Behavior: Monitor and analyze the online behavior of prospects to identify signals of buying intent, such as repeated visits to product pages, downloading of product information, or engagement with pricing content.
• Segment Leads: Segment leads based on their level of buying intent, from low to high. Focus your sales and marketing efforts on leads with the highest intent, as they are more likely to convert in the near term.
• Personalize Outreach: Tailor your outreach efforts to align with the prospect’s demonstrated interests and intentions. Provide relevant information and offers that address their specific needs and pain points.
• Timely Follow-Up: Reach out to high-intent leads in a timely manner to capitalize on their interest and move them through the sales funnel quickly.

 

Experiment with different approaches to see what resonates best with high-intent prospects.

By incorporating lead scoring and buying intent into your sales strategy, you can better identify, prioritize, and engage with potential customers, ultimately improving conversion rates and driving business growth in your small business.

 

Here’s a comprehensive lead qualification process tailored for B2B businesses:

 

Initial Inquiry Screening: Upon receiving an inquiry or lead, conduct an initial screening to determine if the prospect fits your target market criteria. Verify basic information such as company size, industry, location, and decision-making authority. Qualify leads based on predefined criteria such as budget, need, timeline, and fit with your ideal customer profile.

 

Discovery Call or Meeting: Schedule a discovery call or meeting with qualified leads to gather more information about their needs, pain points, and goals. Use open-ended questions to uncover challenges, objectives, and priorities relevant to your products or services. Assess the prospect’s level of engagement, interest, and alignment with your solution.

 

Needs Assessment: Conduct a thorough needs assessment to understand the specific problems or opportunities the prospect is facing. Identify the key decision-makers and stakeholders involved in the purchasing process. Determine the prospect’s budget constraints, purchasing timeline, and decision-making criteria.

Build Rapport and Trust: Successful sales relationships are built on trust and rapport. Take the time to establish a genuine connection with your prospects, demonstrating empathy, active listening, and understanding of their challenges. Position yourself as a trusted advisor and resource, offering valuable insights and solutions to their problems. By building trust with your prospects, you’ll increase their confidence in your ability to deliver value and solve their needs.

Solution Presentation: Customize a solution presentation or proposal that addresses the prospect’s unique needs and challenges. Clearly communicate the unique value proposition of your products or services and how they address the specific needs and pain points of your prospects. Articulate the benefits and outcomes they can expect from choosing your solution over competitors. Use compelling storytelling, case studies, and testimonials to illustrate the value you’ve delivered to other customers. By effectively communicating your value proposition, you’ll differentiate yourself from the competition and increase your chances of closing the sale.

 

Address Objections Proactively: It’s natural for prospects to have objections or concerns during the sales process. Anticipate common objections and prepare persuasive responses to address them proactively. Listen carefully to your prospect’s objections, validate their concerns, and provide relevant information or evidence to alleviate their doubts. By addressing objections effectively, you’ll build confidence and trust with your prospects and move closer to closing the sale.

 

Evaluation and Decision-Making:

Collaborate with the prospect to evaluate your solution against alternative options or competitors. Facilitate discussions with key stakeholders and decision-makers to address any remaining questions. Provide additional resources or support as needed to help the prospect make an informed decision.

 

Create a Sense of Urgency: Encourage action and urgency by creating limited time offers, promotions, or incentives that prompt prospects to make a decision. Highlight the benefits of acting now and the consequences of delaying their decision. By creating a sense of urgency, you’ll motivate prospects to take action and move forward with the buying process.

Follow Up Consistently: Effective follow-up is crucial for nurturing leads and closing sales. Develop a structured follow-up process to stay top-of-mind with prospects and guide them through the sales funnel. Use a combination of email, phone calls, and personalized outreach to maintain communication and address any lingering questions or concerns. By following up consistently, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to serving your prospects’ needs and increase your chances of closing the sale.

 

Closing the Sale:

Secure commitment from the prospect to move forward with the purchase.

Finalize contract terms, pricing, and delivery logistics.

Provide clear instructions for the next steps in the onboarding process.

Follow-Up After the Sale:

Maintain regular communication with the prospect after the sale to ensure a smooth transition and address any post-sale issues or concerns. Nurture the relationship with the prospect over time to foster loyalty, repeat business, and referrals.

 

Continuously Learn and Adapt: Continuously invest in your sales skills and knowledge through training, workshops, and industry events. Analyze your sales performance regularly, identify areas for improvement, and experiment with new strategies and techniques to optimize your sales process. By adopting a growth mindset and embracing change, you’ll stay ahead of the competition and achieve greater success in sales.

 

Improving your sales closing rate is a multifaceted process that requires a combination of strategy, skill, and execution. By understanding your ideal customer, qualifying leads effectively, building rapport and trust, articulating your value proposition, addressing objections proactively, creating a sense of urgency, following up consistently, and continuously learning and adapting, small businesses can enhance their sales closing rate and drive sustainable growth and success. Implement these strategies in your sales approach and watch as your closing rate—and your bottom line—soar.

 

The post Strategies to Improve Your Closing Rate as a Small Business appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

via Succeed As Your Own Boss https://ift.tt/23wsoXn

Dan Stalp is known as an energized entrepreneur, a business mentor, and a popular local and national speaker. Dan is the award-winning owner of Sandler Training of Kansas City, a renowned business development, coaching, and sales training business. Dan specializes in working with presidents and owners who sell, and peak-performer sales professionals who want to push through to their next level. For more information:  https://www.stalp.sandler.com

In this episode, energetic entrepreneur Dan Staup and I delve into the importance of a winning mindset for small business owners. We discuss learning from failures, incorporating mindset into organizational culture, dealing with underperforming salespeople, and the significance of a transferable, repeatable sales process.

Listen to the podcast below:

 

This week on SmallBizChat Podcast:

• A winning mindset for a small business owner involves having internal drive, taking action on desired changes, accepting responsibility, maintaining a positive outlook, and understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses.
• For salespeople to succeed in a small business, it’s important to provide them with a repeatable sales process and track key performance indicators to guide and assess their daily behaviors.
• The best business advice shared is that consistent execution of small tasks over time leads to significant breakthroughs, emphasizing the importance of patience and persistence in achieving business success.

Resources Mentioned:

Online Courses: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com

Brand in Demand Group Coaching: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemand-groupcoaching

Connect with Dan Stalp:

• Website:  https://www.stalp.sandler.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danstalp/

Get More!

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

 

 

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: Understanding the Winning Mindset with Dan Stalp appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

via Succeed As Your Own Boss https://ift.tt/2tdfWJn

In an era where the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are increasingly palpable, sustainable business practices are no longer a luxury but a necessity. For the modern entrepreneur, integrating sustainability into every facet of business operations is essential for the planet’s profitability and long-term success. This article explores key sustainable business practices entrepreneurs can adopt to align with ecological and economic goals.

Embracing Eco-friendly Operations

The cornerstone of sustainable business practices is minimizing environmental impact. This is achieved through various methods, such as reducing energy consumption, using renewable energy sources, and implementing recycling programs. Simple changes like switching to LED lighting, encouraging carpooling, and using digital documents instead of paper can significantly reduce a company’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, investing in green technologies and energy-efficient equipment can lead to substantial long-term savings.

Sustainable Sourcing

Another critical aspect is the adoption of sustainable sourcing practices. This involves ensuring that the raw materials and products used by the business are obtained responsibly and sustainably. This includes using recycled materials, sourcing from local suppliers to reduce transportation emissions, and ensuring that products are made using fair labor practices. Sourcing sustainably benefits the environment and boosts brand image and customer loyalty.

Waste Reduction and Circular Economy

Modern entrepreneurs should focus on waste reduction strategies and the concept of a circular economy. This means designing products and processes to minimize waste and make the most of resources. For example, using biodegradable packaging, repurposing waste products, or designing products for longevity rather than disposability can significantly reduce waste. Businesses can benefit both the environment and the bottom line by adopting a circular economy model that turns waste into an asset within a closed-loop system.

Sustainable Product Design and Innovation:

Innovation is key to sustainable business practices. Developing new products or redesigning existing ones to be more eco-friendly can open new markets and meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable options. This could involve using sustainable materials, reducing energy consumption during product use, and making products easily recyclable at the end of their life cycle.

Social Responsibility and Community Engagement:

Sustainability is not only limited to environmental issues but also includes social responsibility. This includes fair labor practices, supporting community initiatives, and engaging in philanthropy. Businesses that invest in their communities and treat employees well often benefit from increased employee morale and customer loyalty.

Transparency and Reporting:

Transparency in operations and sustainability efforts is crucial. Businesses should regularly report on their environmental impact and sustainability initiatives. This transparency builds trust with consumers, investors, and other stakeholders, who increasingly make decisions based on a company’s environmental and social governance (ESG) performance.

 

For the modern entrepreneur, adopting sustainable business practices is indispensable. It is a strategic approach that aligns environmental stewardship with business success. Companies can gain an edge in the eco-friendly market by adopting sustainable practices. This includes eco-friendly operations, responsible sourcing, waste reduction, innovation, social responsibility, and transparency. Achieving sustainability is a continuous journey that begins with a commitment to make a difference.

The post Sustainable Business Practices for the Modern Entrepreneur first appeared on Tarya Tribble | Business & Entrepreneurship.

via Tarya Tribble | Business & Entrepreneurship https://ift.tt/nhCX5Do

Chronic pain, a complex and challenging issue affecting millions worldwide, often eludes traditional medical treatments. Exploring alternative approaches can offer new hope and relief for those suffering. These methods focus on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, and emphasize the body’s innate ability to heal and maintain balance.

Mind-Body Techniques

Mind-body techniques like meditation, mindfulness, and yoga have shown promise in managing chronic pain. By fostering a state of relaxation and altering pain perception, these practices can reduce stress and anxiety, which often exacerbate pain.

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow. Acupressure, a related technique, uses gentle pressure on these points. Both methods aim to release blocked energy, which can alleviate pain.

Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy

Chiropractic adjustments focus on aligning the body’s musculoskeletal structure, primarily the spine, to enable the body to heal itself. Massage therapy, on the other hand, manipulates muscles and soft tissues to relieve pain, improve circulation, and reduce stress.

Herbal Remedies and Supplements

Natural supplements and herbs like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that help manage pain. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any herbal regimen, as some can interact with medications.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Gentle exercises and physical therapy can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Techniques like hydrotherapy, where exercises are performed in water, can be especially beneficial for joint pain.

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback

Biofeedback helps individuals gain control over certain bodily functions, like muscle tension and heart rate, to reduce pain perception. Neurofeedback trains the brain to better respond to pain signals.

Dietary Changes

A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can be vital in managing chronic pain. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, and fruits can reduce inflammation and support overall health.

The Power of Community and Support

Joining support groups or engaging in community activities can provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer practical advice on managing chronic pain.

 

Managing chronic pain requires a multifaceted approach. Alternative therapies offer a range of options to complement traditional treatments, providing a more holistic approach to pain management. It’s essential for individuals to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized pain management plan. In this journey, understanding one’s body, being open to various methods, and maintaining a positive outlook are key to finding relief and improving quality of life.

The post Understanding and Managing Chronic Pain: Alternative Approaches first appeared on Tarya Tribble | Healthcare & Medicine.

via Tarya Tribble | Healthcare & Medicine https://ift.tt/qKU98Wf

Many small businesses become successful at selling stuff but can’t seem to take it to the next level. Why? They have yet to build a brand. Building a brand is what all small business owners need to strive for to get noticed, gain recognition, repeat business, and enjoy the next level of success. Merely selling products or services isn’t sufficient for long-term success. Small business owners must transcend transactional relationships and cultivate a distinctive brand to stand out amidst fierce competition. 

Building a brand fosters customer loyalty, enhances perceived value, and differentiates businesses from their rivals. Brand building goes beyond mere marketing or advertising efforts; it involves shaping every aspect of the brand’s interactions with its target audience to convey a consistent message, evoke specific emotions, and differentiate it from competitors. Having a strong customer base for your product or service is important, yet the better route is to become a brand name that is recognized everywhere.  More opportunities will come to your business once you create an established brand. Here are 18 strategies to empower small business owners to transition from selling stuff to building a compelling brand:

 

 

1. Define Your Brand Identity:

   Begin by defining your brand’s essence. Define your unique attributes like your mission, values, and personality. Then, be specific about your visual elements, such as logo, colors, typography, and imagery. Establishing a clear brand identity forms the foundation for all of your branding.

2. Develop Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP):

   Assess the competitive landscape to identify gaps and opportunities. Think through what sets your business apart from your competitors. Determine your unique benefits: Identify the unique benefits or advantages that your product, service, or brand offers. How do you want customers to perceive your brand?

3. Develop a Tagline:

   What catchphrase are you using to describe your company or product? When you brand yourself, you must keep it consistent. I’m branded as Melinda Emerson, “SmallBizLady,” America’s #1 1 Small Business Expert.  Use the same language in everything that you do, and the marketplace will understand and embrace your branding, and you’ll become known for it.

4. Know Your Audience:

   You should deeply understand your target audience’s demographics, preferences, and pain points. Conduct thorough market research to uncover insights into buyer behavior and industry trends. Tailor your brand messaging and offerings to resonate with your audience’s needs and aspirations.
   

5. Brand Awareness:

   Increasing visibility and recognition of the brand among target audiences through strategic marketing initiatives, including advertising campaigns, public relations, live events, quiz marketing, content marketing, and social media engagement.

   

   Marketing concept with young woman on blue background

6. Brand Positioning:

   Determine how your brand is perceived relative to competitors and craft a positioning strategy that highlights your distinctive advantages and benefits. Develop clear and compelling messaging that communicates the brand’s value proposition, story, and key messages to your target audiences.

7. Build a Strong Online Presence:

   Leverage digital platforms to amplify your brand’s reach and visibility. Establish a robust online presence through an engaging website, active social media presence, and content marketing efforts. Cultivate a community around your brand and engage with customers authentically.

8. Build Your Visual Brand:

   Invest in professional graphic design to create visually compelling assets that reflect your brand’s personality and values. Develop a cohesive visual brand identity encompassing logos, color schemes, typography, and imagery that resonate with your target audience.

9. Craft a Compelling Brand Storytelling:

   Storytelling is an essential tool for forging emotional connections with customers. Share the narrative behind your brand—its origins, values, and aspirations. Create authentic, engaging stories that captivate audiences and foster brand affinity.

10. Use Consistent Branding Across All Touchpoints:

    Ensure consistency in branding across all touchpoints, including your website, social media, packaging, customer service, and in-store experiences. Maintain uniformity in visual elements, messaging, and tone of voice to reinforce brand recognition and trust.

11. Deliver Exceptional Customer Experience:

    Prioritize delivering exceptional customer experiences at every interaction point. From pre-sales inquiries to post-purchase support, aim to exceed customer expectations. Personalize interactions, listen to feedback and resolve issues promptly to nurture long-term relationships.

12. Increase Brand Visibility:

    Speaking engagements and sponsoring giveaways at events or media appearances are some great options if you do not have the budget for traditional advertising. The more you get your name out there, the more you’ll become a recognized brand.  Plus, the upside to speaking engagements and media is they are both implied endorsements.  While advertising offers visibility, the downside is that anyone can purchase an ad.

13. Focus on Quality and Innovation:

    Elevate your offerings by prioritizing quality and innovation. Continuously refine and enhance your products or services to deliver superior value to customers. Innovate in response to evolving market demands and stay ahead of the competition.

14. Encourage Authentic Brand Advocacy:

    Cultivate brand advocates among satisfied customers, employees, and influencers. Encourage user-generated content, testimonials, and reviews that showcase authentic experiences with your brand. Foster a sense of belonging and community among brand enthusiasts.

15. Build Brand Partnerships:

    Once you build a brand, you can attract corporate brand deals. The more key partnerships you build both inside and outside of your core area of expertise, the more opportunities will come your way.  In the digital age, this is becoming even easier thanks to social media platforms, blogs, and other online sites like TikTok and YouTube.

16. Expand Your Product Line:

    

    Marketing Mix Diagram With Place Price Product And Promotions

    Don’t just offer a service; turn it into a product. A brand extension leverages the equity, recognition, and reputation of the established brand to introduce offerings related to the original product or service line. This strategy enables businesses to diversify their revenue streams, reach new customer segments, and maximize the value of their brand assets. If your core business is interior design, you could license a line of kitchens, furniture, hypoallergenic bedding, and bath decor. Get creative and see what products you can develop. You can enter new markets while maintaining coherence with the core brand identity and values.

17. Be Persistent:

    It’s called brand building for a reason: it takes time, and your foundation must be based on expertise in a core area.  We all want it to happen overnight and to be the next big thing. But it takes a lot of persistence and years to build real customer loyalty.  If it’s rushed or faked, people will see right through it.  If done correctly, you’ll have a loyal following that will support your business over time.

18. Stay True to Your Brand Promise:

    Uphold the integrity of your brand by consistently delivering on your brand promise. Ensure alignment between your actions, values, and messaging. Build trust and credibility by demonstrating reliability, transparency, and accountability in all business dealings.

Effective brand building requires a deep understanding of the target audience, market dynamics, and competitive landscape. It involves ongoing monitoring, analysis, and adaptation to changing consumer preferences and market trends. Ultimately, successful brand building results in a strong, differentiated, and resonant brand that commands customer loyalty, drives sales, and sustains long-term business growth. By implementing these strategies, small business owners can transcend the transactional mindset and embark on a journey toward building a formidable brand presence. Embrace the power of branding to forge deeper connections with customers, foster loyalty, and propel your business toward sustained success in the marketplace.

The post 18 Ways to Go From Running Small Business to Building a Brand appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

via Succeed As Your Own Boss https://ift.tt/qiX270J

Gloria Chou is an award-winning Small Business PR coach and host of the top-rated Small Business PR Podcast. Her untraditional yet proven PR methods that allow anyone to gain top-tier, earned media without needing to hire an agency, have industry connections, or any PR experience have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Crunchbase, and on over 50+ podcasts. Gloria helps early-stage founders “hack their own PR” to go from unknown to being seen, heard, and valued with her proprietary 3-step CPR Pitching Method™— one that’s helped 10,000+ small businesses get over a combined 1 Billion free, organic views in top tier outlets such as the New York Times, Vogue, Fast Company, Forbes and more. For more information:  GloriaChouPR.com

In this episode, Gloria Chou and I dive into unconventional PR methods, teaching listeners how to land significant media opportunities and dispel common PR misconceptions. We delve into Gloria’s unique 3-step CPR pitch method, and share tips for crafting newsworthy pitches. The relevancy of press releases in small business and advice for product businesses are also discussed.

Listen to the podcast below:

This week on SmallBizChat Podcast:

• PR is about writing a compelling pitch that provides value to a journalist, focusing on insights or trends rather than a sales or marketing pitch.
• For effective media pitching, use the CPR method: establish Credibility, provide a clear Point of view, and ensure Relevance to current news or trends.
• When constructing a media pitch, optimize the subject line to get the email opened, keep the body concise with three key points, and avoid attachments, using hyperlinks instead.

Resources Mentioned:

Online Courses: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com

Brand in Demand Group Coaching: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemand-groupcoaching

Connect with Gloria Chou:

• Website:  https://www.gloriachoupr.com
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgVglV0Ur_nySSGN-AzrLVw
• Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/0q7ny0shiot24zapj9ao5lxragwta5

Get More!

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

 

 

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Pitch Yourself for PR with Gloria Chou appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

via Succeed As Your Own Boss https://ift.tt/7ODg1i9

Surviving and thriving in the competitive landscape of running a small business is no small feat. I’m proud to say this month, we here at Quintessence Group are celebrating 25 years in business. Honestly, I can’t believe it. It really doesn’t feel like it’s been that long.  In the early years, we weathered the storms and eventually flourished; then, the industry trends led us to focus on social media marketing, and in the last decade, we evolved into a full-service marketing agency. We also created a second company, SmallBizLady Enterprises, to educate and train entrepreneurs. Along the way, it’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything. 

Lately, a few of my mentee and coaching clients have asked me, “What are the secrets to their longevity in business? We’ll lots of things.  practices that can help small businesses not only survive but thrive for twenty-five years and beyond.

 

1. Vision and Adaptability 

Building a sustainable business starts with a clear vision. I’ve been successful because I possess a strong sense of purpose and a vision for the future. And I never stopped tracking industry trends. Your business vision must be adaptable to the changing needs of your clients and your industry. Markets change, technologies evolve, and buyer preferences shift. The one thing you must do to stay in business for twenty-five years is understand the importance of staying flexible.  Don’t fall in love with your business model; it could kill your business. 

 

2. Focus on Your Customer 

Customer satisfaction is the lifeblood of any business, especially a small one. With the goal of repeat business, you must consistently meet and exceed customer expectations. This means delivering high-quality products or services on time and on budget, providing excellent customer service, and building lasting relationships with clients. Small businesses that prioritize the customer experience tend to enjoy repeat business, positive word-of-mouth referrals, and a loyal customer base that sustains them through the years.

 

3. Cultivate Strong Relationships 

In business, relationships matter—a lot. People do business with people they like, know, and trust.  Whether it’s with customers, suppliers, partners, or employees, cultivating strong relationships is essential for long-term success. If you are a B2B service business, this is especially true because customers always have other options.  As a business that has been around for twenty-five years, we understand the value of building trust, mutual respect, good communication to build and rapport with customers. These relationships often translate into loyalty, reliability, and a network of support that can help weather challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

 

4. Embrace Innovation 

Innovation is key to staying relevant and competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.  You will stand the test of time if you embrace innovation—whether it’s adopting new technologies such as ChatGPT, introducing innovative products or services, or implementing creative marketing strategies, such as a social media sales funnel or video marketing. By continuously seeking out ways to innovate, your business can not only survive but also thrive in the long run.

 

5. Strategic Financial Planning 

Financial management is a cornerstone of longevity in business.  In my early years in business, I didn’t know how to read my financial statements. I didn’t track my profitability, but then I hired an accountant who taught me what I needed to know. I learned prudent budgeting, strategic financial planning, and innovative tax strategies. This included managing cash flow effectively, minimizing debt, investing wisely in growth opportunities, and planning for contingencies. But even when you plan, you can still get hit with a major economic downturn, such as the recession of 2009 and the Pandemic. However, by maintaining financial discipline, we navigated those economic fluctuations with greater resilience.

 

6. Commitment to Quality 

Quality is non-negotiable for businesses that aim to stand the test of time. Whether it’s the quality of products, services, or customer experiences, you must prioritize excellence in everything you do, especially as a black-owned business. There are still those who think women and minority-led firms are inferior.  When you operate in excellence, it not only builds trust and credibility but also fosters customer loyalty and satisfaction. If you consistently deliver superior quality, you are more likely to retain customers, attract new ones, and build a reputation for excellence that will endure over the years.

 

7. Failure is an Event, Not a Person

I have fallen down many times in my business, but I always got up. Sometimes, it’s about who gets up the fastest. Failure from time to time is inevitable, as there are so many aspects to running a small business successfully. Do your best to shake off blunders quickly. A failed contract does not make you a failure as a person. Having to lay off employees is sad, but it doesn’t make you a failure. Not being able to pay your bill is tough, but it doesn’t make you a failure. That just means you need to work to phones to get a new opportunity.

 

8. Cultivate a Strong Company Culture 

Company culture plays a pivotal role in shaping the identity, values, and behavior of a small business. Cultivating a positive and supportive company culture is essential for attracting and retaining top talent, fostering teamwork and collaboration, and creating a cohesive and engaged workforce. Small businesses that prioritize culture-building initiatives, such as employee recognition programs, team-building activities, and open communication channels, tend to enjoy higher levels of employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention—factors that contribute to long-term success.

 

9. Invest in Professional Development 

You must grow yourself to grow your business. As a small business owner, you must adapt and evolve along with it. Continuous learning and improvement are essential for staying competitive and relevant in the long run. This means investing in ongoing training and development for yourself and your employees; you need leadership training and best practices and being open to feedback and new ideas. Small businesses that prioritize learning and innovation are better positioned to anticipate change, seize opportunities, and sustain growth over the years.

 

10. Have a Healthy Definition of Success

Early on in business, I measured our success purely on revenue, and I was miserable. I put a ton of pressure on myself and my team, nearly to the point of being a relentless tyrant. As an older, wiser CEO, I have come to learn that influence and impact are far more valuable than money. Maintaining a multi-million-dollar network is valuable. Your network is your net worth.  Investing in mentoring and growing my team and other women in business gives me great joy and has created incredible opportunities for me. Now, don’t misunderstand this: You need to set monthly revenue goals, and I believe that profit is how we keep score in business, but you must love the work and the people, or it’s a waste of time. 

 

11. Love something other than your business. 

I’ve seen a lot of business owners grow big businesses and leave a wake of bad marriages and broken children in their wake. What does it benefit a man to gain the world and lose his soul? It doesn’t. Treat your family like your #1 customer. Prioritize them. I am a professional single mom. I got divorced about 12 years into my business. It was very hard for me. I lived in a city where I had no family. I had to pay for all the help I had with my son, and I had to travel to see clients.  My son and I developed a system. If it was an A event, I had to be there. B- events: I tried my best to be there, and C-events were optional. My son set the scale. We also had amazing birthdays and lots of special vacations. He’s headed to college this fall, majoring in computer science, so I believe I did something right. I definitely had mom guilt. He was absolutely picked up late from daycare at times and ate drive-thru chicken fingers and fries too much, but we survived it. 

 

12. Get a hobby.

About 10 years ago, I took up golf because I needed to get a life.  I had become a raging workaholic, and I just wasn’t good. A mentor of mine suggested I take a few golf lessons, and I loved them, I especially liked the fresh air and the cute clothes. I actually joined a ladies 9-hole league for a few years. My point is you need an outlet. All work, just isn’t good. It’s not a life.

 

Thriving in business for twenty-five years is a milestone that I’m grateful that God allowed me to see. It requires a combination of faith, vision, adaptability, customer focus, innovation, and a commitment to excellence to make it this far. You also need to do things that feed your soul, too. By prioritizing these key principles and practices, you can not only weather the challenges of business but also emerge more resilient and successful than ever before. Here’s to the next twenty-five years of growth, innovation, and prosperity!

 

The post How to Thrive as a Small Business for 25+ Years appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

via Succeed As Your Own Boss https://ift.tt/XGWrQLk

 

In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses the operations of SmallBizLady Enterprises, the importance of diversifying revenue streams, and effective time management.

She highlights the role of books and continuous learning in business growth, the significance of relationship building, and tips for creating a powerful email list.

  

Listen to the podcast below:

 

This week on SmallBizChat Podcast:

• Focus on having at least three revenue streams in your business to create stability and minimize risk.
• Invest in professional development and coaching to grow yourself, which in turn will help grow your business.
• Build and maintain relationships as they are crucial for getting referrals, leads, and strategic introductions which can help in achieving your life and business goals.

Resources Mentioned:

• ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com/
• Brand in Demand Group Coaching Program – https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemand-groupcoaching

Get More!

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

 

 

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: Reflections on My 25th Year in Business with Melinda Emerson appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

via Succeed As Your Own Boss https://ift.tt/TLkOM4i