Daniel Monday, from Slamdot, addressed the Union County Business & Professional Association on the topic of “Building Your Brand” at the regular September meeting last month. Monday related that the most important aspects of branding a business is reflecting your mission and core values to the target audience. A business needs to choose a strong brand including a logo with color tones that reflect the core values. Repetition and consistency are also key to building the brand.
Facebook, Instagram, Google, and Pinterest are good examples of social media that can help get a small business noticed and for search engine optimization (SEO). But some platforms are better than others, depending on the type of business and the target audience.
Facebook is good for a local audience and the message can be easily repeated. Instagram is perfect for a younger audience and for retail or Realtors. Google depends on key words to make your website pop to the top. Websites need to be secure with an https designation on the URL. Pinterest is best for a younger audience and a business that relies on a visual format. Make sure your marketing is properly formatted for cell phones.
Other forms of marketing that can help to get your business known are direct mail, print ads, radio or TV ads, and email. All of these are especially helpful to introduce a new business.
A final note: Plan by dates or specific seasons the social media marketing and advertising calendar for each platform. Then follow the plan.