Marketing tips you can implement right now - by Risa Hoag

I’ve presented numerous workshops on marketing strategies, public relations, networking, and using LinkedIn to connect with people. Here are some quick takeaways that I hope you will find helpful.

1. Upgrade your email game. Send helpful emails with details about any changes to your business as well as tips from your company or industry. Is there a new problem your customers or clients have that you can solve? Include a call to action to encourage phone calls, emails, or visits. Many businesses have made changes that have served them well during this time and some they will continue to use going forward; if that’s true for you, let people know. There has been ‘power in the pivot’ for many and email is a good way to share that information.

2. Step up your social media presence. Be sure you are posting relevant and interesting information consistently through whatever portals you use; consider trying a new platform during this time. Ask me about LinkedIn training; I’ve been showing folks how to use it to identify connections and reach out based on common interests.

3. Create a power team. Now is a great time to develop a power team that doesn't have to be local, and host Zoom sessions to share information and referrals. Think about who should be in your circle and then create a regular Zoom meeting.

4. Identify online directories to update. There are many online directories and listings that you can access and be included in such as Angie’s list, insurance company directories (Hartford Insurance for example offers an online small business list now), Inc. has an online listing, etc. There are many that are industry specific, small business specific, and ones that are geographically targeted. Also check your existing online listings to ensure they have the right information; you are penalized by search engines if there is different information across platforms.

5. Use Google Maps. If you are not familiar with Google My Business. Google did away with that and now you can update your listing right on Google Maps. Make sure your listing is accurate and up to date. Google also offers you the opportunity to write blogs, post events, highlight promotions, etc. through this platform. And since Google loves Google, they reward you with better search results the more you use it.

6. Ask for reviews and give reviews. I have received multiple calls for new business from people doing Google searches and reading our reviews. You can find a link in your own Google My Business account to send to people. Also request reviews on Facebook and on LinkedIn if you use those platforms. People are reading them perhaps now more than ever. Don’t forget to give reviews to others, it’s a great way to put your name in front of people that perhaps you haven’t connected with in a while.

Do you have questions about your own marketing? Give me a call.

Risa Hoag is the president of GMG Public Relations, Nyack, N.Y.