FAQ’s
How much should I BUDGET for MARKETING, overall?
Oh the burning question……
Unfortunately there isn’t a “magic” number for all small businesses. On the positive side, I will say that I know of many who have had huge success with the most minimal of budgets.
The old way of TRADITIONAL MARKETING would suggest that B2C companies budget between 2-5% of your annual revenue. Today, I feel confident in saying that this range would still be a great target to aim for.
DIGITAL MARKETING can easily be affordable if you start out with a couple of initiatives - test them - and build from there provided that you see an increase in revenue. Most small businesses will spend an average of $1000 - $5000 each month with a lot of variables in between.
Should I be considering TRADITIONAL and DIGITAL marketing mediums together?
Because I have experience with both, I would answer this question with caution in today’s way of advertising. Traditional (radio, print, newspaper, admail delivery, etc) works for the select few and I currently have clients that run radio and mail campaigns consistently. One of the biggest reservations I have with traditional media is the lack of analytics that can be provided.
Digital marketing is A MUST. There are multiple options out there. It allows you to advertise to people from near and far. You can measure just about any form of it. And, most importantly, we are all connected to our devices these days so why not put your business in front of people scrolling their phones, tablets and computers?
How important is SOCIAL MEDIA to my business?
Social media content and growth is where I spend most of my time these days. There are over 2.2 billion Facebook users and 1.1 billion Instagram users that are ACTIVE RIGHT NOW. Yes, yes, yes your business can thrive on just these platforms alone. I could talk for days on the strategy and importance that social media offers your business. If you haven’t jumped on this ship, drop everything, get learning and GO…NOW!
What is the difference between FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM and do I need both?
I could write a novel about this question! I wouldn’t make you sit through that though. Ha!
There is a major difference between the two platforms. Here is the short version:
FACEBOOK PAGE - great for contact information, messaging, business reviews, sharing local content and it works really well for businesses that may not have (or need) a physical website. A good example would be a local service company such as Exterior Window Washing. Facebook can offer all the avenues getting the consumer to the business.
INSTAGRAM PAGE - the ultimate platform for visual businesses. The layout allows followers to easily view your products and services through images (POSTS and STORIES) as well as fun and trendy REELS. A good example would be a Home Builder. The consumer wants to see floor plan options and images of completed/staged homes in order to help their buying decision. Most Home Builders use professional photographers - what better platform to showcase their work.
What is more important, ORGANIC or PAID digital marketing?
Both are equally important. Both have different purposes.
ORGANIC content is your day-to-day “what’s happening in the business” and “what value can your business provide to the followers”. This is the critical component to building your AUTHENTIC AUDIENCE and telling your story to gain the trust of those who’ve already chosen to follow you.
PAID content is a little more black and white and has the primary goal of finding NEW FOLLOWERS by putting your products and services in front of them, without them searching for you.
What are the most effective forms of DIGITAL MARKETING?
This really depends heavily on what type of business you have, your budget, and where you already are in the digital marketing game.
Retailers selling products - websites are critical. Invest your time and energy into building a solid e-commerce website. Do your research on web development companies, shop around and make sure you take the time to learn the backend of your site. Once you’ve mastered this, let’s talk about Google and explore the importance of getting that website discovered on search.
Professionals selling a service - I still believe that everyone needs a website however, you may be able to start with social media first, master the art of growing your audience and being consistent. Once you’ve established a good social base, and provided that you can afford it, jump into a website build.