We have been contacted by numerous businesses in Hampshire with new money for marketing having received a government grant or a loan. It’s great to see that money is being invested back into the economy and we are delighted to help as many local companies as possible.
Having money for marketing is one thing, knowing how to spend it is another. Every Hampshire company that comes to us knows their business far better than we do. In order that we can have a really great first conversation with you from the outset, it’s worth giving thought to the following.
Marketing success is usually a journey, not a race
Take time to consider where your business is now, who are its competition, what are they doing better than you and vice-versa, where do you want to be and how will you measure success?
Think about your customers. There will be different types and in different places. But patterns and clusters will emerge within every customer base. These groups, or segments of customers will be a good guide of where to direct future marketing effort.
Rethink what you are selling. Most businesses sell what they do, not what the customer buys. Take this example. We had our oven cleaned last week. Why? Because it needed doing and it smelt a bit. But the real reason was because we had family coming for the weekend and the oven is a symbol of how clean, tidy and organised (or otherwise) we are. By understanding the ‘triggers’ that make people buy, you can use these in marketing and be very effective.
Customers are far more valuable than prospects
Too many business owners think that business growth starts by getting new customers. Customer acquisition is a key marketing strategy, but the place to start is with existing customers. Existing customers are likely to buy from you again (assuming satisfaction last time around), more likely to buy a related product or service and more likely to be a source of new business via referrals compared to approaching new prospects cold.
Be realistic about how marketing can help your business
Here’s what a marketing agency can do to help your business.
- Tell your story more effectively.
- Help you better understand what your businesses is actually providing and to who.
- Craft persuasive messages.
- Heighten your business profile
- Improve your online performance
- Create a distinct position in a market ahead of most of your competitors.
A marketing agency can’t force a consumer to do something against their will.
We ask our clients to commit to working with us for three months minimum, and six months ideally. We’re confident in time that a client business owner will sense a change of fortune, even if they haven’t felt it yet.
If your Hampshire business has drawn down money for marketing and investment, contact us and we’ll give you an honest view of whether we can get the maximum marketing return for you.
To contact Sixth Sense Marketing call 01252 213131 or email: hello@sixthsensemarketing.co.uk
Leave a Reply