It’s easier than ever to start a small business, particularly for online companies with little overhead. Did you know that the US sees 600,000 new small businesses every year?
This means a major uptick in competition. It’s not enough to start a business and launch a website. If you want your company to survive and thrive, you have to master your marketing plan.
The road to success for small business owners is paved with targeted marketing. But what is targeted marketing and how can you use it to your advantage?
We’re here to help. Keep reading for a quick guide on converting consumers into customers using this unique marketing strategy.
Establish Your Niche and Identify Your Target Market
Most industries these days are completely oversaturated. If you want your company to succeed, you need to find a way to stand out from the crowd. Find a niche within your industry that will allow you to corner a specific area of the market.
What will make you different from or better than your competitors? Once you establish this niche, you can refine your target market. These are the consumers for whom your products or services were created.
Learn about their unique online consumer behaviors to understand how you can use targeted marketing to optimize your efforts. The more you know about consumer buying behavior in your target market, the easier it will be to generate leads and make sales.
Use Google Search Targeting to Streamline Your PPC Campaign
Pay-per-click marketing is one of the most effective targeted marketing techniques for small businesses of all kinds. You can pay to rank high on Google for specific keywords and keyword phrases.
Use Google’s tools to learn more about online consumer behaviors. These include:
- Auto-complete searches
- “People also ask”
- Related searches
These simple and free research tools will help you learn more about the things your target market is searching for. Based on these consumer buying behaviors and search patterns, you can determine which keywords and phrases you should be using in your PPC campaigns. Follow this link to learn more about Google search targeting.
Know How to Target the Right Audience on Social Media
Finally, learn how to use targeted marketing on the social media platforms you use to promote your brand. For example, Instagram uses hashtags to present new content to its users based on their searches, the accounts they follow, and the posts they click on.
Facebook, on the other hand, uses browsing history, location, age, gender, and other demographics for targeted marketing and paid promotions. Learning the ins and outs of social media platforms is essential to your marketing plan.
If you struggle with social media, work with a consultant or marketing firm. They can help you create a marketing plan suited for your brand and your target audience. They also have access to tools and software to help you streamline your tactics.
How Are Your Targeted Marketing Strategies Working Out?
Targeted marketing can help small business owners like you use online consumer behaviors to their benefit. Follow the digital marketing tips listed above to maximize your ROIs through effective marketing plans.
And if you’re looking for more marketing tips, look no further. Look through some of our other blog articles to find more information on how to increase your leads and grow your company.