The Latest Trends in Marketing Your Small Business

The year 2020 has forever changed the landscape of marketing. Marketing your small business going forward is going to involve a more diverse approach with an intense emphasis on digital marketing. 

Even the very definition of what constitutes marketing is experiencing a seismic shift. More than ever, marketing will become less about promotion and more about what a customer needs in a particular moment.

As is often the case, however, the more things change, the more they stay the same. While the methods of marketing are evolving and technology is moving at a breakneck speed, some principles remain constant. This includes the need for strong relationships between businesses and their customers.

So, how will this increased emphasis on digital and relationship marketing impact how you promote your small business? Here are some of the trends you can expect to see as 2020 winds down:

1. Customer experience will trump everything. In addition to providing the best products and services (which is a given), spectacular customer service will build loyalty. Even if a person can get something at a better price, they will choose businesses that provide outstanding service.
2. Visual content. We have heard about voice search and virtual assistants, but visual content is often overlooked. This is a mistake. It is critical to pair spoken and written content with something people can feast their eyes on.
3. Personalization will continue to make a name for itself. People like to hear and see their name in print. With so many messages out there, those that include a person’s name will stand out.
4. Customer retention becomes even more important. Everyone has heard the statistic about how it costs five times more to attract a new customer than to retain a current one but this phrase is hitting home harder these days. Repeat customers improve the reputation of your business and act as brand ambassadors and influencers. There is no way to put a price tag on that type of marketing.
5. Integrated customer experiences are business as usual. While it is extremely unlikely that physical stores or offices will disappear, people want to have the option of choosing how they interact with a business on any given day. Offering a hybrid customer service option has gained traction during the current pandemic and people are likely to continue to demand it.
6. Customers will do their research. People want to know that the businesses they support are aligned with their own values. Sustainable practices and social responsibility, therefore, will be in high demand.

Small business marketing – like everything these days – is changing. The underlying principles, however, remain the same: Meet your customer where they are and provide them with the type customer service that makes them feel valued.

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If you are struggling with how to help your sales team succeed in these challenging times, don’t go it alone. Call GoLeads today  at 402-334-1824 or visit www.goleads.com to find out how we can help you set your sales team up for success.