Top Marketing Tools For Small Business – 2016 & Trends for 2017
Small Business are using the following marketing tools in a study from November 2016. This chart shows that most 56% are using a website, 50% are using E-mail marketing and 48% are using social media in the online marketing strategies. The preferred top three marketing tools are online media. Trends for 2017 show that more are planning on using social media at a higher rate than indicated in this 2016 study. Note, these marketing tools are employed at the same time, and each one is not used exclusively.
According to this article on Hubspot.com, the number of touchpoints (interactions with the prospective lead) is five. After five, with no continued indication of interest, the law of diminishing returns sets in. This also depends on what industry the business is serving. Closely evaluating your industry and behaviors of your prospects should be taken into account to determine your number. The small business marketer should also take into account what point during the week and what time of day they are reaching out to talk to potential clients about their product. Monday morning, for example, is not an ideal time to try to sell your services or products. Usually, people are setting up their priorities for the week and don’t want to take a call.
Off-line Marketing by Small Business
Many small businesses are still relying on many of the marketing tools that do not involve the internet in conjunction with online marketing. Print collateral includes brochures, flyers, business cards, postcards and other printed material used for distribution. Word of mouth is still often utilized indicating many small businesses are relying on local networking. Networking events also include trade shows and/or conferences. These are very useful as the business can pay one fee and hope to have a steady stream of potential customers stroll by and ask questions, experience free consultations or receive discounts at events geared towards their target markets.
E-Mail Open Rates
Clearly, it depends on what industry the small business is serving in decisions made on utilizing this marketing method. This cannot be the only marketing method, but still a trusted strategy for many businesses. This marketing path is best used for users who have indicated an interest in the small business’s product and then it is more likely the email will be opened when the consumer is ready to make a purchase or their attention is caught by a successful subject line in the email.
