Marketing can be a challenge. When you’re a small business is in a regional town, that challenge can be even bigger.
Next week, Jason Foss (our resident digital guru) is heading out to the remote areas of Central Western Queensland to spruik the opportunities that digital brings to marketing small businesses in regional centres.
Jason will be part of a “Digital Engagement Tour” organised by the Capricorn ICT Network in collaboration with the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation visiting Barcaldine, Longreach, Winton, and Blackall between 13-16 November 2017.
If you have a business in these areas, be sure to:
Digital marketing allows small business to think outside their regional limits to engage new customers, at a relatively low cost.
On the tour, Jason will be offering free, valuable advice on how to use digital to promote and market small business.
So, what are his low cost / hot tips for getting started in the wide world of online marketing? Tick these items off your digital marketing list.
Get a Google business listing
It’s a great tool for search engine optimisation. By registering your business with Google, you greatly increase your chance of being seen online by people who are actively searching for your type of business.
Online listings are also essential for helping you to be found by people visiting your area. You never know – someone passing through may find your local craft store is perfect for their souvenir for Grandma.
Get social
You can use social media to your advantage when your business is located in a regional town.
Regional areas are often are made up of a fabric of tight-knit groups of people. Positive “word of mouth” is essential for a small business. This where social media steps in – it’s a great way to build your reputation. It lets people know who you are and showcases the personality of your business, as well as what you sell.
Advertise online
Your marketing dollars need to be spent wisely. We get that! Facebook or Adwords advertising doesn’t require you to invest “big bucks”, and allows for great result tracking to see what works (and what doesn’t)… without the long term commitment.
Adwords: Pay per click advertising with Google Adwords can be a very cost effective way to get started. Your Ad may help your small business show up higher on the page than your organic ranking. Plus, it’s a great way to send people to your website.
Facebook advertising: Allows you to target your audience based on specific interests and a highly targeted geographic radius.
Be mobile friendly
For the vast majority of people, and especially those visiting from out of town, the mobile phone is the “go to” device for browsing the web. If your website doesn’t work properly on their phone, it makes it tough for them to learn about your business.
To see if your website is mobile responsive
Create interactive experiences
Emerging technologies are providing new ways for consumers to engage with businesses. Consider adding these cool new options to your marketing toolbox.
Virtual reality:
This is one of the most exciting innovations in marketing, enabling customers to live and experience your business directly from their living room.
360 degree photography:
Allows viewers to become immersed in a photo or video by looking around in any direction.
Location aware beacons:
These handy devices have the potential to enhance the customer experience, helping them discover points of interest and gain knowledge about the place they are visiting. Information is sent directly to an app on their phone as they walk past. (Seriously, how awesome is that?)
Getting the word out about your regional business may seem challenging at first, but by using these methods, you can soon be on your way to successful digital marketing.
Interested in all this digital marketing stuff, but it seems to techie and over your head? Don’t worry, we got you. Just contact us.
Ps – don’t forget to register for your free spot at the Digital Engagement Tour in either Barcaldine, Longreach, Winton, and Blackall between 13-16 November.