Help Me Solve My Marketing Problems

It is very common for business owners to make mistakes when it comes to marketing. Learning how to market a business can be a lengthy process, full of trial and error. The following are some of the most common mistakes, with some tips on how to avoid them.

Not Defining a Target Market

A target market is the group a business owner is trying to sell to. When a business owner does not define their target market, or makes their target market too wide, they will have a tough time convincing their market to buy.

For example, a direct sales consultant in a cosmetics company may think that their target market is women. That market is much too large, and while women make up their target market, not all women wear cosmetics.

To find out who your target market is, ask yourself, “Who wants my products? And why do they want them?” Try to be as specific as possible, imagining your prime customer’s age, their area of residence, their hobbies, and more. Knowing your customer will help you in all of your marketing efforts.

A Confusing Marketing Message

Once a business owner defines their target market, creating a marketing message is the next step in marketing success.

The marketing message is the thing that grabs your potential customer’s attention and tells them why they should do business with you. How can you solve their problems or make their life easier? Why should they choose you over your competition?

Not Asking for Feedback

When implementing a new marketing technique or strategy, test it out and ask for feedback before diving in head first. Yes, it can take time to do this, but it is better to invest a few dollars into one bad ad than a bundle.

Not Being Consistent

Using a consistent theme and feel in all marketing pieces is wise, because it creates brand recognition. This can be accomplished by using similar colors and fonts in the ad as in the website and blog design. Any graphics that are used should be in line with the overall marketing message.

For example, Nike’s marketing is filled with images of athletes pushing themselves to the limits. It goes quite well with their slogan of “Just Do It,” not to mention the fact that they are selling athletic gear.

These were a few of the most common marketing problems. Marketing is one of those things that can be hit or miss. It’s okay to make mistakes, because that is how you learn valuable lessons. The important thing is to always keep learning, and correct mistakes when they happen.