We think at Word Work. And I read–a lot. In all my reading (and podcast listens), I am distilling the message we have for our clients as to how to market in 2009. Here’s what we are telling our clients this month:
1: Reallocate your Marketing Budget. Include website updates and eNewsletters. They work. Powerfully. Push newsprint ad dollars to online ads and search aids, like Google Adwords. When you plan print pieces, make them simple and design them to push the reader to the web.
2. Integrate your LinkedIn, Facebook, Blog, and Tweets within your company website, and even emails. (Yes, I’m doing that now, with our web and graphic designers’ help). Search engine algorithmschange daily, and they are pushing these social media outlets to the top of search results–well above your official site. You want easy link-throughs.
3. Rethink your Message.If you promoted luxury items, like spa services, repurpose your services in the name of health, stress relief, and lasting quality. That’s because what we are buying now, we expect to last us awhile. Instead of telling a customer “You Deserve,” tell them “This will Help.”
Next, we start talking about Building a Live Community through Online Strategies. (This is a tickler to remind me to write more on this and to welcome your thoughts.) I find myself caring deeply about helping business survive, then thrive, in this seismic change of national economy –and marketing.
If your business is sluggish, pick up the pace inside your office. Sharpen your marketing plan with these tips, and more. Choose to succeed, because you have been given the time to sharpen your plan for success tomorrow, if not today. Then, get out and make your business part of your community.
