Whether you are a struggling startup or have experienced success in your ecommerce business, there is no doubt that, as an owner, you are always on the lookout for marketing sales promotion techniques that will make your business stand out from the competition and grow, not only in sales but also in your loyal following. While some marketing strategies are standard, others may be suggestions you had never even considered but will put your promotion campaign over the top.
We’ve gathered some marketing hacks that you may want to try as you strategize for the upcoming year and attempt to generate consumer loyalty, build brand awareness, and set yourself apart from your competitors.
ing year and attempt to generate consumer loyalty, build brand awareness and set yourself apart from your competitors.
Look for an idea that has the potential to go viral
While some ideas go viral, others fall flat. What’s the difference? According to Associate Professor of Marketing, Jonah Berger, practical, useful content that evokes high arousal emotions get shared most often. Targeted audiences look for concepts, stories, ideas, and information that make them feel things like anger, loss, fear, and joy.
When your content makes people experience high-def emotions or are entertained in some way, they are more likely to share it. In fact, content that elicits positive emotions are shared more consistently than other types of posts, so factor that in when making decisions.
The concept is deceptively simple, so knowing your audience and understanding your industry are key components to making this hack work. But even if you aren’t sure where to start, consider some of these ideas. Is there something that will evoke controversy in your field or industry? Is there a video, infographic, or attention-grabbing image or headline that will draw in your reader?
Is there a trending idea that people will want to know more about? What types of posts, articles, or links have been shared the most on social media? Do you have the necessary connections within your product industry to request sharing of your content by influencers? Remember that garnering Facebook and Instagram followers is just the first part of “going viral.”
Utilize a content first ideology
Successful business owners are finding that a content first ideology is serving their marketing campaign well. Content first means that interesting content on their websites and social media platforms precede their attempts to sell them a product or service.
Featured animation or aesthetically-pleasing may draw customers in visually and initially attract them to your site, but
Encouraging your consumers to buy into your brand and your business means that you promote your story and give them a reason to want to engage with you as a long-term consumer. Consumer-driven content, including product reviews, testimonials, podcasts, interviews, and promotional activity will help sell your story and promote the integrity of your business as both trustworthy and relevant.
Look at some of the best user-generated content and promotional campaigns on Instagram to understand its value. It’s not surprising that 76 percent of individuals surveyed indicated they trusted content shared by “average” people more than by brands and almost 100 percent of consumers trust the recommendations that come from other customers.
Don’t underestimate the value of customer service
Nothing will improve and expand your sales like providing the best in customer service. Having an idea that goes viral will get you noticed, but if you don’t please your consumers, you won’t survive in a competitive market. Offer plenty of payment options, streamline your cart building and checkout processes, and make sure you have timely shipping available. Always deal with consumer complaints in a positive manner, and acknowledge endorsements from loyal customers.
Marketing and customer service are not mutually exclusive Your customer service support assists customers and resolves issues, resulting in happy customers. These consumers will provide positive user-generated content and recommend you and your product or service.
While marketing lets consumers know why they should choose you over your competitors and educates and influences them, customer service provides the personal encounter that promotes a personal experience and determines whether or not your customer will develop loyalty to you and your brand.
What draws you into some of your favorite brands’ websites? Feel free to comment below.
