Marketing essentials for new businesses

What do you do first as a new business owner?

I’m betting that if you are reading this, you are a new, or relatively new business owner. When we start our businesses,, often it’s just us. We’ve come from a corporate role, where there were already people wearing the marketing hat, the finance hat, and other key people that makes a business successful. Suddenly, you find that you are the only one wearing all of those hats!

I was in a similar situation to you, when I started Sarah Burden Media in May 2021. It was just that I had the marketing hat, but again I didn’t have IT, finance, HR or any of the other hats, or experience.

The one question that I am asked by new business owners and consultants is “what do I do to get noticed by my target audience?” It sounds so simple, but it’s ok I know it’s not, and that’s why I’m here.

I thought it would be useful to talk you through the journey, looking at it from the perspective of my client David Phillips of Moors & More Tours. David’s business is just 3 years old. He had a clear vision of what he was going to do within his business but actually it’s been lovely to see how it has grown and changed directions over the past year. That’s really important to be aware of. You might have your logo and your brand for example, know the products or services you want ot offer, but along the journey please be open for change.

When you are a new business, how do you get noticed by potential clients, especially if you haven’t worked in marketing before? You may feel that it just all seems like a different language.

That’s easy – you speak to someone like me. There are some great things you can do to get you started, and it doesn’t cost you the earth. Whilst you’re still starting out money may be tight. Therefore it’s essential to use what you do have to make the biggest difference to your business moving forward, ensuring that you have the tools and brand to get started.

David Phillips did just this.

What did David need?

As a brand new business David had no branding or visibility. That was step one. I worked with him to create a simple brand. He is at a huge advantage as the main part of his business is across Dartmoor, so he had a lot of fantastic images of scenery and livestock.

We then spent time crat

Tip 1 – Think about your brand

Create your brand. This doesn’t just mean your logo. It’s so much more. Having a clear idea of who you are, and how you want to portray yourself is key. What images are you going to use? What colours do you like, fonts, what is your brand voice, for example formal, informal, quirky? One thing to ensure is that if your business involves a lot of abbreviations or technical wording, write as if anyone could read it and understand it. You may be aiming it for a certain market, but people recommend people, and referrals go a long way.

I’m going to share some of David’s photos during this blog, as firstly they are so beautiful, and secondly it will make this blog easier to read!

Sunset on Dartmoor with trig post
Dartmoor sunset. The standing stone is a trig point

Tip 2 – Build Your Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business. Create a website that showcases your brand and what you offer. Utilize social media platforms to share David’s stunning Dartmoor images and connect with your audience. Engaging content, such as behind-the-scenes glimpses or stories about your brand journey, can help build a community around your business. Don’t forget to interact with your followers and respond to comments; this fosters trust and encourages word-of-mouth referrals.

Centred on the image is a shallow river, with stones under the water. across the river is a clapper bridge. Left and right are bushes, and in the distance are a forest of fur trees
Photo: David Phillips, Moors & More Tours

Tip 3 – Network and Collaborate

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Connect with local businesses, organizations, and influencers who align with your brand values. Collaborations can open doors to new audiences and create unique marketing opportunities. Whether it’s co-hosting an event, running a social media giveaway, or participating in community projects, these connections can help elevate your brand and visibility in your target market.

A Dartmoor tor in the background with a stream and big granite stepping stones at the front
Photo: David Phillips, Moors & More Tours

Conclusion

Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming when you find yourself wearing all the hats. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to seek support as you navigate this new landscape! Just like David did, you have the power to create a strong brand, build an online presence, and form valuable connections that will help you stand out in your market.

If you’re feeling unsure about your next steps or simply need some guidance to help you shine, I’m here to help! Let’s chat about how I can support your business in making an impact. Don’t hesitate to reach out and discover the tools and strategies that will elevate your brand.

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