For small business owners, staying ahead in the fast-paced world of marketing requires adaptability and foresight.  As we step into 2024, here are some of our ideas that you can undertake to help ensure your business is at the forefront of your customers’ minds:

Website
As your online shop window, your website is one of the first (if not the first) platforms a prospect will go to, to find out more about your business offering.  They’ll make a pretty much instant judgement on how professional and credible you are based on their visit.  Ensure your website is not only visually appealing, but also optimised for mobile devices.  Is the content relevant and are your key messages concise and prominent?  Do you have calls to action so that visitors know how to buy from you, or make contact?  Is your website optimised for SEO to enhance your online visibility and make it easy for potential customers to find your products or services?  Are the pages easy to navigate?  In 2024, undertake a website audit – from your visitor’s perspective – and make changes that will make your website one to explore.

Social media
Social media continues to be a powerful marketing tool for brand visibility and engagement.  Leverage the right platforms to promote your business – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram – based on where your target audience virtually ‘hangs out’ and engage in authentic conversations to build a community for your brand.

Local SEO
Small businesses often rely on local customers.  Optimise your online presence for local searches by claiming your Google My Business listing, encouraging regular positive customer reviews and ensuring that your business information is accurate across online directories.  Local SEO ensures that your business is visible to potential customers in your area.

Collaborations
Small businesses can tap into the power of collaborations by partnering with like-minded or complementary businesses to share knowledge, peer to peer networks, referrals and influence.  This allows you to target a new audience that is already engaged with potential new customers.  Identify influencers whose values align with your brand and collaborate on authentic content.

Ephemeral content
The popularity of ephemeral content, such as Instagram and Snapchat Stories, continues to rise. These short-lived, engaging snippets provide a unique opportunity for small businesses to showcase behind-the-scenes glimpses, promotions, and time-sensitive offers.  Embrace this trend to connect with your audience in a more immediate and authentic manner.

Email marketing
Email marketing remains a cost-effective and direct way to communicate with your audience.  In 2024, focus on creating personalised and customer-centric email campaigns using tailored content that resonates with specific audience segments.  Include links to drive traffic to your website.

Community engagement and events
Foster a sense of community around your brand by organising and/or attending local events or participating in community initiatives.  Engaging with your community not only strengthens your brand presence but also creates a positive association with your business.  Consider sponsorships, partnerships, or hosting small-scale events to connect with your audience on a personal level.

In conclusion, small business owners should approach 2024 with a strategic mindset, embracing marketing campaigns that align with your goals.  By implementing these strategies (plus many more we can share with you!), small businesses can navigate the marketing landscape and foster growth in the coming year.

Contact us to get 2024 off to a flying start with a clear plan of action.

(Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik)