Marketing Advice By Business Type
Marketing a Sponges Business
Small and medium size sponges businesses can compete and even outperform larger competitors. All it takes is the right marketing plan.
Think tired marketing collateral is all you need to succeed in today's marketplace? Think again!
What to know the characteristics that distinguish leading sponges businesses from other businesses in the industry? Most of the time it's not the quality of their product offerings -- it's their ability to communicate granular marketing messages to their customer base.
Generating Buzz
Never underestimate the value of good buzz with consumers. Whether you call it viral marketing or word-of-mouth advertising, a lot of ground can be gained by encouraging positive conversations about your company. For a sponges business, buzz is a critical consideration in the marketing mix. The process begins with developing communication vehicles and mechanisms that invite discussion. As you begin to promote brand discussions, you will need to also develop systems for monitoring the things that are being said about your company and using positive mentions to your advantage.
Bundling
Messaging matters - but only to the degree that it communicates value to cost-conscious consumers. Businesses that bundle products tap into the market's psyche by creating the perception (real or imagined) of cost-savings. Most sponges businesses have the ability to bundle multiple products and services into a single offering that customers find appealing. Since the bundling concept is based on discounts, consumers expect to pay less for the bundle than they would if they were to buy the products separately, so you'll need to make sure your bundle offers real value to buyers.
Building A Community Around Your Brand
There is a reason why so many businesses are incorporating social media into their marketing and PR strategies. Social media attracts followers and creates brand advocates. Although they invest heavily in other marketing channels, most sponges businesses need to do a better job connecting with their customers. There are many ways to launch a social media strategy. In our experience, it's helpful to begin with a direct mail campaign. Using vendor-provided mailing lists, you can broaden your reach by informing new contacts as well as established customers about your presence on popular sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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