Small Business Tips: Marketing what matters to you

So many small business owners struggle with how to promote themselves and do any marketing with skill, style and results. I know I did.

When we relaunched Deidre Jackson Accounting in 2018 as Essentially Accounting, I did all our branding, signage and start-up stuff DIY. But I knew to call in expert website and marketing support to help make a great impression.

Yes, marketing: dreaded word! It’s always frustrated me how much money you can throw around and not see much in return. I tried radio, newspaper ads and whatnot. They get your name out but can be expensive ways to see what happens.

So when I invested in good advice for a Communications Plan on what to budget and what to expect, marketing made sense. Sure, it takes time but that’s part of running a small business no matter what you do. In the end, I’ve pared it right down to the essentials without spending a boatload. Here are my suggestions…

Tip 1: Use Social Media wisely

Every business has a Social Page, right? Facebook or Instagram posts or Tweets keep you in touch with your audience on what’s happening in your world. Plus as a Social forum, you can talk about real-life stuff. Say you had a great visit with your Dentist: Do a shout out on their page. Or your Pre-schooler had a great class outing: Share it and tag their school. This is a fun, easy way to share news and make new contacts. Don’t get bogged down, get outside help or spend a few minutes every few days.

Tip 2: Support & promote locals

Social media is an obvious choice for shares and shout outs, but you can also get behind local business with cross-promotion or support. Share business cards or flyers on your front desk. Put up posters for events. Or show financial support. Example: we recently put a small ad in Bomaderry Public School Newsletter. While it would be nice to bring in business, it’s important to contribute revenue to the school for their programs (which newsletter ads do). And that got me thinking…

Tip 3: Get behind what matters

What matters to you? Think what makes a difference to you, your family or your neighbourhood. We’ve started with a small but significant gesture. Namely, Music Awards in 3 local high schools. This is near and dear to me and my family. Supporting a creative initiative can really boost confidence and personal development in kids.

We will contribute $100 Gift Certificates to use at South Coast Music, Nowra for yearend Music Awards at Nowra High School, Shoalhaven High School and Bomaderry High School. Our plan is share these Awards with more local schools and grow this program as large as our business can support.

See what Marketing can mean? It’s not complicated but it does take thought and a firm hold on where your money goes. So as someone who looks after people’s money, I wanted to share these tips and let people know what we’re doing in the Community. Look for updates on our Facebook page!

Thanks to helpful support from Karen at KR Marketing who authors our website and NEWS articles and Justin at ShowellTech for making them look great. They’re a fine team to help SMBs with websites, digital marketing and smart promotional services.

Deidre Jackson, 4421 0336