Creative Ways to Market a Service-Based Business
Marketing a service-based business requires a different approach than marketing a product. This is because products are tangible and have a defined value, while services are intangible.
But with the right tactics, it is possible to increase traffic (both online and offline), clients, and revenue. In this article, we will discuss Creative ways to market your service-based business.
1. Use social media to promote your business
Creating profiles on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and LinkedIn is crucial for service-based businesses. However, these profiles will not be effective unless they are promoted in other channels and ways that attract new customers.
Service-based businesses can also use social media to promote themselves as thought leaders in their industry by sharing creative content on Instagram and writing thoughtful blog posts on LinkedIn. This will help them stand out from their competitors, which can lead to an increase in website traffic and more sales.
Another way to leverage social media is by running targeted ads. These ads can be placed on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to reach a specific audience and encourage them to engage with the business.
It is important to avoid common mistakes that can damage a business’ reputation on social media, including bombarding followers with sales pitches, neglecting engagement and posting inconsistent content. With that said, quality is more important than quantity in the social media world. Fortunately, there are several tools that can help businesses monitor their marketing performance, including Pretty Links.
2. Become a local expert
Whether you are a real estate agent or a local repair specialist, establishing yourself as an expert is one of the most powerful marketing strategies you can employ. Clients trust experts, and they are willing to pay a premium for the knowledge and credibility that an expert brings to the table.
Become a local expert by showcasing your area’s unique features in creative ways. For example, assemble local artists for an art show at your office; organize a surfing lesson and host a board showcase with local surfboard shapers; or create a wine tasting event with the local winery. These events showcase your passion and expertise while planting a seed in your clients.
Another way to establish yourself as an expert is by attending local town council meetings. From potholes to new school buses, these issues impact every business in your area. Stay in the know and use this information to create unique, value-heavy hyperlocal content for your email list or 12 Direct.
3. Create a blog
A blog is a great way to communicate your business’s values, showcase your expertise, and create content that will attract new customers. It can also be used to promote a specific service, or to highlight past projects.
Service businesses have an added challenge when it comes to marketing, since they’re dealing with intangibles. This means that you can’t use traditional product marketing tactics, like focusing on materials or features. Instead, you need to focus on promoting the benefits that your services will bring to clients, and how they will help them solve a problem.
One effective way to do this is by writing a “before and after” blog post. This will show readers the process you took to meet a client’s needs, and will demonstrate your ability to deliver results. You can also make your blog posts stand out by adding original data, quotes, or perspectives. Just make sure to include a call-to-action that will encourage readers to contact you for more information. This can be done by including a contact form, an email address, or a phone number.
4. Start a newsletter
When it comes to marketing your services, email is one of the best tools at your disposal. This strategy allows you to build a strong relationship with your audience and nurture them until they are ready to make a purchase.
A well-designed newsletter can help your business to stand out amongst the competition. The first thing you need to do is define your service values, which are the intangible qualities that set your business apart from others in your industry. This will help you to create a clear and concise message that you can deliver in your content.
Once you have your values defined, it is time to start creating content for your newsletter. Your content should be authentic and reflect your personality. Readers like to connect with the people behind the content they are reading. Try using personal stories, anecdotes, or a behind-the-scenes look at your business to create a connection with readers.
When you are ready to launch your newsletter, make sure that it is prominently featured on your website. It is also a good idea to include a signup form that offers an enticing discount in exchange for an email address.
5. Start a website
A website is a great way to show off your work and attract new clients. It can also be a powerful tool in helping potential customers understand the value of your service and make an informed decision about working with you.
It can be challenging to market a service-based business because people don’t come away with a tangible product. It’s important to focus on highlighting the results of your service and showing that you have high customer service standards. For example, a lawyer might advertise their successful track record with specific types of cases or a restaurant may highlight their stellar customer reviews.
Remember that most visitors will spend only seconds on your site, so be sure your key messages are clearly and concisely stated. Also, keep the design simple and easy to read. Avoid using quippy headlines or overly ornate designs that could distract from your main message. Finally, make sure you set up a tracking system for your marketing campaigns like Pretty Links to monitor their performance. This will help you determine which marketing channels are converting the most leads into clients.