Have you ever wondered what makes you special? Why should anyone trust your product or service? Does your opinion count? The best answer to these questions is that you have to establish yourself as an authority and create a unique selling point. You will need to go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure each and every client of yours knows that you have something different to offer.
When you are capable of changing the rules of your field, this is when you know for a fact that you have made it. This is the real power of authority marketing. If you are new to authority marketing or know little about its vast potential in influencing users with your expertise, then you have come to the right place. Here, is a list of tips designed to help you develop marketing authority in a seamless manner that increases lead generation, conversion rates and will enhance your market awareness.
The Seven Pillars of Authority Marketing
1. Content marketing
To be omnipresent, you will need to rely on content marketing to make that possible. You will need to invest time, money and resources to create high quality content for your target audience. Do not stick to a certain formula, as the content you produce can be in many different forms i.e. blog posts, articles, podcasts or white papers. As long as you create unique and helpful content, your fans will gladly consider whatever you have to offer.
2. Referral marketing
By indulging in referral marketing, referrals will bring your target audience to you. It is worth noting 85% of small businesses get new customers through referrals. If you want to benefit from this form of marketing, you will need to go out of your way to satisfy and encourage your customers to let others know about you.
Client referrals are only possible if you put great emphasis on providing outstanding services or products. At the same time, make sure you take advantage of influencers too, as these people communicate and interact with your prospects day in and day out. Find out about these influencers and talk to them for an arrangement that is beneficial for all parties involved. Remember, a recommendation from a trusted friend is far more effective than a broadcast message.
3. Branding
Branding is not just about building a brand for your company, it is also about developing a personal image for your organization. If you want your audience to remember your name, you will need to be recognizable. Make yourself as unique as possible so that your audience will associate you to a certain product or service. A few key factors contributing to your unique brand include your philosophy, your community, your journey and your personal mission. Remember, well-known leaders are crystal clear about their identity.
4. PR and Marketing
In this day and age, consumer’s knowledge is heavily influenced by the internet. People will never believe your tall claims, but they will believe what the media has to say about you. Whether it is a Facebook post or radio coverage, if you are mentioned, people will automatically assume you are an authority. It may seem absurd, but this a constant perception of the general public and their
5. Lead generation
Believe it or not, lead generation has everything to do with authority marketing. When you are an authority, it is a lot easier to generate leads. As an authority you are free to tell people what they need and they will actually believe you. Although your marketing strategy should not be too promotional as this might discourage end users. Your marketing should revolve around figuring out your consumers need rather than selling that need!
6. Speak to your target audience
If you are not speaking to your target audience, what are you waiting for? To enforce your position as an authority, you will need to speak more often. Just make sure whatever you say is relevant, professional and competent if you want to be taken seriously though.
Now through the power of digital marketing, you can easily engage with thousands of end users in a cost effective manner. There is currently a plethora of different ways that you can speak to your consumers, find the best channel and capitalize on it.
7. Be present at events
No matter what event is taking place, this is the best place get your loyal customers together. Be physically present with them, or encourage them to come to you by holding events of your own. This way, you will introduce more people to your work and build additional loyalty.
You should now have a better understanding of authority marketing than before. Additionally, you also know what steps need to be taken in order for people to take you as a sound authority. It may seem complicated at first, but as long as you play your cards right, there is nothing that will stop you from reaching your goals.