How To Find Customers For Your Business And Market Effectively To Them

The question of how to find customers still looms large for every business that opens. No matter what type of business a person has, in order to be successful they need to reach their target market plus effectively promote the company to these consumers.

The first step in finding customers is actually knowing who the target market is. For example, a technology company is not recommended to pitch their latest and most advanced gadget to individuals who don't use computers. They need to advertise themselves in areas where there are individuals who use the latest technology. Many of these consumers are online already using technology. In such a case, the company may want to create a free application and offer it to the public.

In doing so, the company asks for the email addresses of the individuals who are interested in the application. With such details, they have an email list started and can send the news of their advanced gadget to these interested individuals.

Of course, these promotional techniques vary according to the product and this above scenario is just an example. The answer to how to find customers depends on what the company is offering. Other methods of finding the customers include using social media networks to browse profiles; utilizing business directories if a company deals in wholesale or business services; sponsoring events for relevant charities or causes; attending meetings with potentially interested consumers; joining forums that discuss topics relevant to the business; and the list goes on.

With any of these methods of finding customers, it is important to keep in mind that a company will only find consumers if they are in areas where the two find a common ground. For example, a single individual with no children is not as likely to be found looking at large family sized vehicles as would the parents of four children.

Once an entrepreneur finds the customers, they need to start marketing a small business in such a way that catches the attention of the consumers. The right words, advertisements, and free offers often work. Marketing in business isn't usually focused on one area so several types of promotion is generally advised.

The budget for the marketing has to be realistic. For this reason, a person must research the costs for marketing and may utilize as many free promotional tools as possible while still being effective.

Marketing a small business takes careful planning and good strategies. It is important to relay to the potential customers why a company is unique and why that business should be chosen over others.

Marketing in business requires a plan to organize all of the elements. It doesn't take a complex plan but one that helps to focus the attention and track the promotional elements that are giving positive results.

While creating a plan, a person should list the target market, how to find these customers, the marketing techniques to be used, how much money is allocated to each promotional method and how to track results. This will help in the long run to make the most of any marketing strategy as well as to assist the business in being successful.

Mobile Marketing in a Shinny Object World

Is mobile marketing right for your business?

It depends on what your overall strategy is and what type of business your running. Unfortunately today we have seen too often business owners get caught up in a "tool" trap. They focus on some sort of shiny object that is supposed to make life easier but they fail to look at it from the consumer's point of view.

I always approach a situation with a perspective of "market onto others the way I would want marketing done onto me" sounds familiar doesn't it! Unfortunately that isn't always remembered when it comes time to think about your own business.

For instance a common "strategy" that a mobile media firm may suggest is using an SMS campaign to blast out your specials to your unsuspecting consumers. Many of these consumers are initially offered some sort of a bribe to sign up to be included in the campaign. That may be a free drink, a certain percentage off, or VIP treatment for the day. That works out great for everyone involved today but in the future how many times are they going to be in a situation where they can use your offer when you blast it out to them?

Ask yourself if you would want to receive messages from the restaurant down the road while your relaxing watching television? How would you feel if you're at the gym and your work out is interrupted by the grocery store's new coupon offer? That service probably would not last long on your phone right?

This give and take relationship is one that your consumer should be able to take allot more then you give. This can be accomplished by creating mobile marketing campaigns that have one thing in common, they require the user to be within certain proximity of your location or they make the choice when they want to receive your content.

The type of business or service your in is also going to weigh in on the specific process that you'll need to take. If you're in an industry that a consumer frequents regularly such as a grocery store, you're going to be better off creating your own branded application. If you're in a business that is more service related where consumers may infrequently need your business you might consider creating a co-opp relationship with other businesses in your area. This might include electricians, a plumber, or landscapers. This allows the local consumers to gain a more value form your application.

In all of these cases you're going to want a digital marketing firm that allows for proximity marketing campaigns to be launched in your mobile application. These should allow you to specifically target areas to customize your offers.

Always remember "market onto others as you would market onto you" in doing so you'll enjoy more success and better engagement with your consumers.

Mobile Marketing Helps Food Waste

How does a mobile phone save food from being tossed in the trash?

If you're anything like most businesses your probably looking at mobile wondering how it can be effective in your business. One of the best uses can perhaps have a huge impact on a problem that is estimated to cost about 47 billion per year in the US alone.

We are of course looking at the huge problem that we as a society have of throwing out food simply because we have not seen it. Sounds strange right, unfortunately it happens all too often. Our grocery stores and markets fight is battle everyday. How can they draw attention to products that need to be sold soon or else thrown out?

In the past they have had few options except for posting signs and calls to action in locations through out the store. Unfortunately this also has an adverse effect on consumer because all of the "sale" signs all end up bending together and work to desensitize a consumer to the special.

Recently we interviewed a select group of grocers and found that the average grocery store lists about 2300 "sale" signs at one time... there is no possible way that they can use that many and expect to draw any bit of attention to the products.

Fortunately using a properly configured location based marketing platform that all can change. In a recent survey conducted by Flurry analytics they concluded that mobile is growing 10 times faster then computers did in the 80's. These are staggering figures. This means that for the first time retailers and in this case more specifically grocers have a direct channel to consumers eyes

This channel also can be managed to control inventory on a store by store basis. The smartphone knows where it's at a grocer can publish their specials where a consumer can now see each of the valuable offers in their immediate area. Unlike printed material these offers can be updated as often as needed or changed on the fly once the special inventory all has been sold.

Unlike many other mobile marketing strategies these also are completely permission based offers. Meaning a consumer walks into the store and opens your app to receive the specials. You deliver valuable content when the consumer needs it the most. They are also 20-60% more likely to make a purchase when they walk in your door so it makes the most sense to make certain that they see all of the offers you have for them.