It could be you or your company whom you would like to market. You may ask me, why should I be marketing myself? Well, we all have been doing a bit of marketing ourselves from the time we joined our first jobs. Did you not write all the good things about yourself in your resume? Caught you. OK, so what the hell? (you may ask).Well, I am simply taking a cue from that aspect and give a suggestion to all the entrepreneurs out there in the market that the marketing need not always involve a big advertising brand/ digital marketing agency or a PR agency, there are others ways of marketing and which gives you much better returns, obviously because you don’t spend so much. So what are these ways?
It all starts from the most economical avenues – start your own twitter account, facebook fan page, short video about your company on YouTube, LinkedIn group and your own blog. All of them having a link from your website. This gyan may not seem to be of any use as all of us today are aware of these sites and usage of the same. BUT did you know how effectively it can be used for your start up? Well, use the facebook fan page to upload and share video/pictures, information about your new releases in the company, give out any information as may be relevant to your company/industry. Similarly use twitter to update details, interact with people there, invite people to follow you (yes, be bold & ask them), most people would love to follow you if you have good content to share (and yes, make sure you don’t update what time you got up, brushed, what u had for breakfast blah blah…)people are NOT interested. Share informative stuff. Share idea; help people who come to twitter seeking help. Always be on the lookout for question related to your industry and answer them. Make use of the ‘save this search’ option. Always tweet, don’t give a gap just because you are out of town. Who cares, don’t you have a phone to update your status on Facebook and tweet? You don’t want to be seen as a dumb fellow when you become active after 10 days saying you were out of town! Duh! We have come out of the age where out inland letters used to reach the destination in 10 days.
Share pictures of your trip on Facebook, not necessarily related to business. People need relaxation in life and not seriousness. Facebook and twitter are such places where if the user is getting bored then she/he will switch loyalty in seconds. YouTube these days are one of the most effective ways to generate viral marketing – if you have a witty 30 seconds video shot/ animated stuff that you made yourself or on yourself then it will be all over the internet in less than 7 days and if you have made sure that you have kept even a slightest relevance to your company/business then you are on your way to a MUCH better brand awareness.
LinkedIn is a serious place, make sure you are active here, start discussions, answer questions in other groups related to your industry. DO NOT talk about your company there, it’s a free platform you may be tempted to do it but don’t. As a rule your name, designation and company name would appear wherever you comment. Always have a witty angle to what you write, without diluting the important aspects of your comment.
Your blog is your biggest weapon. This is the place where you should speak your heart out. Make sure you have the witty angle. But share all that you ever wanted to share and of course not to forget be regular. Your blog would be read only by people who know you, vouch for you, your family, your REAL customers/users and your well wishers. This will ensure they have high regards for your thoughts and will definitely share your thoughts in any other public forum they get in.
I would love to share more…but in my next post. I welcome your comments and your experience if any.
I work with www.perfios.com
This one made an interesting read Adi! You have written a very informative article. As they say, the virtual world is becoming more 'real' for many people out there.
And must say that your enthusiasm in your work and the way you leave no stone unturned in branding your company is very inspiring. Kudos to you and all the very best for all your endeavours!