Educate Your Customer - A Failsafe Marketing Strategy

It's a less publicized strategy but educating your customer is an effective marketing tool that should be a part of any business makreting plan. Marketing is an essential element of running a successful business and the key is to do it better than your competition. When creating your marketing strategy - especially for a small business - every dollar spent needs to produce!

Education is Your Foundation

Although many marketing guru's might spout that ROI and target audience are the main focus in your business strategy - educating your customer should be your centerpiece. Educating your client is one of the best ways to increase sales and turn one time sales into long lasting loyal customers. Many times, when people are considering buying a product - they know little about it which makes them less likely to buy on impulse. They don't know if the price is realistic, if the product is reliable, if the quality is an industry standard - this kind of uncertinty makes a customer feel uncomfortable about the purchse.

Be a Teacher of Your Business

Believe it or not but sales and teaching go hand in hand. A teacher in a classroom wants you to learn the material to be able to pass the test (for example). A salesperson (or business owner) wants you to learn about the product to see why this purchase is ideal. So if a customer is interested in a product or service and someone takes the time with them to show them the features and how they compare to other similar items - a customer will begin to feel more confident in their decision to purchase. The more the information is balanced and informational (rather than just a 'sales pitch') the more likely you earn their trust and loyalty. Guess who they will come to for information in the future? You, their expert!

Educate About Your Product or Service

This is a no-brainer! Make sure your customers know about what you offer and how you can solve their problems. Often, missed sales occur when a customer doesn't know or understand your product or service.

 

How do you do this?

• Advertising
• Blogs
• Website
• FAQ's
• Cross-selling
• Point of sale offers
• Direct mail to current customers

Educate About Your Business

This is one aspect that often gets overlooked in marketing but can be just as important as educating your customer about your product or service. The relationship your customers have with you and your business is emotional. 

Customers often ask themselves...

• Do I trust this business?
• Is the staff knowledgable?
• Does the company stand behind their product with a warranty?
• Is this company the best place to get this service?
• Do I feel good about supporting this company?

If you're still unsure about how important this aspect of marketing is then consider this: If you are looking at two identical products at the same price - who do you go with? Have you ever paid more money for a product or service because you like the company or owner. Everyday, people choose to pay more or shop exclusively with brands because they like the company as well as the product (examples: Macy's, Nike, Pepsi, Budweiser and Apple). If it works for them - it can work for you too!

Go Beyond Your Field

While you are educating customers about your business and your company (in ways that solve their problems) think about also educating them in related subjects. For example: If your business is selling appliances, it would be helpful if you understood home construction or remodel budgeting. Something as simple as providing referral business information or a pamphlet discussing related topics will continue to establish trust with your customer. You aren't directly selling them anything by offering this information so this solidifies that you are trustworthy and have their best interests at heart. Imagine how often they will think of your business when talking to their friends and family as well.

Conclusion

Is is often said that knowledge is power - think of educating your customer as a marketing strategy that empowers your customer. The more they know, the more power they have to make a decision and buy...as well as share what a helpful expert you are!

Facebook in 5 Minutes - Go Viral

Today's Tip is centered on promoting your Facebook Business Page by creating posts that have the potential to 'go viral.' Social Media, especially Facebook, is like a party - you hear great gossip, interesting facts and funny stories.  Think about the items that go "viral" on the internet and they fall into these categories. When creating content for your FanPage use these same ideas. Rotate the posts so that they are changing. Your goal is always to "Connect."
 

Why Do People 'Share'?
People share stories on Facebook for the same reasons they gossip and talk in real life. It may sound daunting to consider what makes people promote a story or post but here are some reasons people click that infamous 'share' button...

• It helps us connect - we are always looking to strengthen relationships with people.
• It's useful - we all love to share a good deal or insight.
• It starts a conversation - people like knowing how others feel or think about a complicated or controversial topic (it helps them decide how they feel).
• It strikes an emotional chord - if you feel something deeply, its hard not to talk about it.
• It helps define us - this is like broadcasting all the layers of our identity to find others like us.
• It's funny - who doesn't want to share a good laugh?
• It makes us look smart - who doesn't want to look smart? Provide a benefit and people will pass it on.
• It makes us feel part of something bigger - this is especially important for philanthropic groups and causes.
• It's Juicy - If the information is surprising, interesting and cool - it's too good not to share. Pay attention within your niche to unique stuff that is being shared and use it to great your own viral opportunity.  

Time for Action

Check out your favorite forum for news, topics, videos, pictures and more and start a conversation on something going on right now. You may also want to subscribe to a blog or two to see what others are talking about. Share a post and then keep your ear to the ground for content that can help your posts go viral. This takes just a few minutes but it can improve your fan interaction tremendously.

Facebook in 5 Minutes in April from Qlixite

Everyday we will be posting fast and easy (& Free) ways to get more out of your Facebook Business page. Become a Fan so you don't miss out!

We are not affiliated with Facebook in anyway. All of these tips are based on our own knowledge and research of public resources

Facebook in 5 Minutes - Timely Posting

Today's Tip is centered on promoting your Facebook Business Page by creating posts that relate to what's happening in the world. Remember social media started as a way to share and be social. What do people like to talk about? The time honored and easy conversation starter if you have nothing else in common...the weather. Why is this? It's happening right now and everyone is affected by it. Now you don't have to always post about the weather - unless you really like to and I'm sure there are some meteorologist who would love these kinds of posts. So what else is going on in your world - in your fans' world?
 

What is Happening Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow?
You want people to visit your page and check back often because what you are posting is applicable to their lives NOW. Yes, we've talked about posting specials, coupons and blogs but there are also moments when you want to share and discuss items with more personality.

Here are some ideas:
• Hot news item - great especially if its local (if your fans are local too)
• Thought provoking picture - perfect way to get people talking (be sure to ask their thoughts)
• Trending viral video - people love to watch stuff
• An event or location - going somewhere this weekend? Ask people if they've gone or have any suggestions.
• Holidays and Observances

Don't Be Late!
There is a fine line when posting timely information. Basically, the line is this...if it's not happening "yesterday, today or tomorrow" consider WHY you are posting it. If you have an update or a new take on something old - that's great. You want people to believe your page and its content is updated and current. You don't want to arrive to the conversation late or run a topic into the ground.  

Time for Action

Check out your favorite forum for news, topics, videos, pictures and more and start a conversation on something going on right now. If you don't have time - upload a pic representative of Earth Day (coming up on Sunday) and create a post about appreciating the environment. This takes just a few minutes but it can improve your fan interaction.

Facebook in 5 Minutes in April from Qlixite

Everyday we will be posting fast and easy (& Free) ways to get more out of your Facebook Business page. Become a Fan so you don't miss out!

We are not affiliated with Facebook in anyway. All of these tips are based on our own knowledge and research of public resources