Savvy business owners learn from experience what works and what doesn’t, but most are shocked by how expensive, frustrating, and time-consuming it is to figure out what marketing tactics bring in more business.
But don’t worry! We help Bay Area businesses like yours hone in on what works, and we’ve created this post to shorten your learning curve when making your next marketing campaign.
Learning from these five “don’ts” will save you a lot of time and money you would have spent on trial and error. Let us know if you see any you need to fix in your marketing!
1. Don’t Complicate Your Message
Many of your clients and potential clients are overwhelmed. Your number one priority in all communications is to show them how much easier things will get when they partner with you. So don’t throw everything at them in every communication. Start with small bites of information that speak directly to their greatest need and put their mind at ease. If you add to the overwhelm, they’ll likely walk away and not return. Keep it simple! Focus on a few compelling points and keep your customer’s perspective in mind.
2. Don’t Bombard Your Audience
Just like the first point, remember you don’t want to overwhelm your clients with communication. A healthy balance of communication will provide the information they need to see that you are the right business to partner with for their project. Communicate with your audience consistently and frequently using the right promotional products (direct mail, email, mobile marketing). Refrain from bombarding them with sales messages that increase their overwhelm, or they will tune you out.
3. Don’t Go Rogue
You may be tempted to create and deliver your marketing message on your own, but just because your message is clear to you doesn’t mean it will be apparent to everyone else. Invite your team to review new material and share their insights and perspectives before finalizing your marketing material. Experts who offer creative marketing services (like us!) can also provide fresh, objective views on your marketing message, delivery, and approach. Experienced marketers survey their customers and leverage testimonials to engage new businesses!
4. Remember Your Call to Action
Once recipients have read your direct mail marketing, remember to tell them what you want them to do next. Do you want them to call you for more information? Request a quote? Buy a product? Sign up for a seminar? Without a call to action, your prospects are less likely to take action. They tend to set the communication aside for later, thinking they will return to it, and it drops to the bottom of their long list of priorities. Every contact should have at least one clear statement that invites them to take the next step.
5. Don’t Rush Your Marketing Communication
When you’ve got a great idea, getting it out quickly is tempting but costly. Take your time to get it right. Letting the idea fully develop allows you to work out bugs and consider how it plays into your overall marketing plan. Your goal is to decrease overwhelm and get clients excited about working with you, so don’t send confusing, disjointed messages.
Need a Comprehensive Marketing Plan for Your Business? Need Help with Promotional Products?
We can help! We’d love to learn about your business and offer suggestions on targeting, mailing formats, specialty finishes, and other printing and binding services to help you maximize results and stretch your budget!
Reach out here and let us help you create your next successful print marketing project!
