This week we are going to cover what we think you should be doing if you are a brand new business in a local market!

What’s up Fish Fans! My name is Marcus. You’re watching Marketing Madness, the Blue Fish vlog!

When first starting out, we know money can be tight, and spending money on the wrong things can kill a business.
We’ve said this over, and over, and over… And you all may even know what I am about to say is the first step to any marketing efforts. Getting a website. A website is going to be the foundation of all your marketing efforts. You might like the idea of using Facebook as your website but this is a really bad idea as you have no control over the visitor’s experience. You also have no control over the algorithm. As we discussed in a video a few weeks ago, Facebook and Instagram change their algorithm often and it can make it very difficult for you to reach your audience. Your website is where customers are going to come to get information like your phone number, address, and business offerings. Without a website, do you even exist?
Once you’ve got your website rocking and rolling, it is time to start establishing your digital entities. Now we are assuming you’ve already created a logo, style guide, and other assets that you’ll need to create a lasting impression on your target demographic. So, on to digital properties… This will be Facebook Pages, Instagram, and other applicable social platforms. You’ll also want to set up a Google My Business Page. This will be super important when working on your SEO campaigns later down the road. There is a great blog about properly setting up your Google My Business on the Blue Fish Blog, so if you are unfamiliar with this go check it out after this video.
Next, you’ll want to populate these online platforms with valuable content. Showing you, your company, and employees in action will let people start to become familiar with you and how you operate. Don’t be scared to show a little personality. You want to develop your brand into something where people relate and understand who you are. Make sure to optimize all your profiles with pertinent information to your business. This will let people quickly understand what you are about, and help you turn up in search results.
Now that you have started your online presence, you’ll want to get active in growing a following or creating engaging content that will engage your followers and potential clients. Be sure to create a process that helps you stay consistent with the creation of content. This is one of the most important yet least executed parts! Make an effort to understand Facebook Marketing, using the Ads Manager, and promoting valuable content online. In many cases, this will be your best friend.
Alright, you are all set up online, you are systematically creating good and content and getting it out there to leverage you as an expert in your field. The next thing that I’d recommend is getting plugged into the community. The latest Marketing Madness Episode was actually on this very topic. Be involved and get out there as a brand ambassador.
Next, you want to focus on the heartbeat of your business, Sales. Sales is the single most important factor in whether your business lives or dies. If there is no cash coming in, then you’ll surely not last very long. So be sure to make prospecting and business development your main priority. Sales isn't going to come naturally for most. And you may even be thinking I own a business, I am not a salesman. Well to that say "you are mistaken because everyone is in sales".
Alright for a quick recap… Build a quality website
Create online platforms to connect and publish content
Understand how to leverage the advertising power of these platforms
Get plugged into the community
Get serious about sales

And remember, if you need help with any of this stuff, or anything in the web design, marketing, or advertising space, we are your go-to resource nation-wide. We have clients from New York to Southern California, and everywhere in between. So let’s get your marketing jump started. Hit us up today!
Well, that’s a wrap for this week! I want to thank you for checking in. Make sure to hit that like button. And if you have any questions or comments leave them down below. If you want to talk about how Blue Fish can help you grow your business just send us a message and we’ll get the conversation started!

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