Growing a business isn’t easy. You need a viable idea first. From there, you need to find a profitable niche, identify a specific target, and have something of value to sell. Whether you’re trying to spread goods, services, or data, getting the word out has become more and more complicated and expensive. And without the right marketing strategy to improve your progress, it’s practically impossible to make a profit and stay competitive.

The truth is, what’s got you to this point in business is probably not going to get you to the next level. If you feel stuck, join the fray. Many businessmen are so busy working “in” their businesses that they’re not focused on “own” their businesses.

No matter what marketing strategy you use, if you don’t have an effective sales plan and optimize your conversions, you’ll just be throwing money away. If you haven’t developed a marketing strategy yet, it seems imperative to do so now, perhaps with the help of marketing professionals with years of experience. Moreover, such experts can offer services related to Cross Cultural Consulting, which can help you target customers in different countries.

Know that those such professionals are experienced in this field, and have abundant knowledge regarding this, therefore, can guide you throughout the process. Moreover, based on your needs, they can advise you on whether you should go for digital marketing or offline marketing. For instance, they can walk you through the process of brand awareness on social media platforms; likewise, they can tell you the importance of having pylon signages and booklets (which can, by the way, be printed by firms like Printivity) for grabbing the attention of customers. Hence, it is imperative to consider seeking their help.

Anyway, keeping that in mind, here are 5 basic marketing strategies to help grow your business:

1. Use Social Media

Social media can’t be ignored. This is where all the so-called magic is going on. Several companies are built solely on the backs of social media. At first, it can be overwhelming. Yes. But as you build momentum, you’ll find it easier and easier to post on social media over time.

Of course, you could also employ a social media manager. But if you don’t, you’d be on your own. so be authentic. Post your thoughts, your products, Post whatever you find relevant and useful to help your audience either learn more about you and your business or the industry you’re in.

Use direct messages on platforms like Instagram and even Snapchat or Twitter to reach out to other successful businesses or even to communicate with potential customers.

2. Create Video Tutorial

One of the most effective ways to get the word out about your business is to create video tutorials. Teach people something worthwhile. Just talk them through it. Step-by-step instructions are all frustrating. The great you are at this, and the more interest you offer, the faster you can increase your exposure and, eventually, your sales.

Today, YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world behind Google. Whenever someone wants to learn something visually, they head there. You’ve likely done it yourself countless times. So just ask yourself what you could teach in your business that would help consumers solve some pain point?

The visibility and reach of YouTube are massive so get out there and start making authentic and useful videos today, right now.

3. Understand Search Engine Optimization

This is a marketing area that you should be incredibly passionate about. But it’s also an area that many people are deadly scared of. Indeed, SEO could be scary. But it is powerful too. And when you learn to use it and practice SEO the right way, the sky really is the limit.

You can’t take shortcuts with SEO. Just like in business, you have to put in the work and the time if you want to see the results.

Are there any tips for doing this the right way? Don’t use spam keywords. Hands down. This is one of the biggest mistakes most people have made. Build the content for humans while also paying tribute to the search engines. But more importantly, make sure that whatever you convey is insightful, engaging, unique, and adds a tremendous amount of value.

4. Build A Great Lead Magnet

So much marketing strategy efficiency really boils down to creating a great lead magnet. I found that the right lead magnet presented to the right audience may have explosive results. The best way to do this is if you can identify the right pain points and present a solution to your lead magnet, then you’re well on your way.

The better you identify the problem or the pain points at the beginning, the better you’re going to actually fix that with a solution in your lead magnet.

What kind of lead magnet are you supposed to build? It could be an ebook, a cheat sheet, a checklist, a video, and so on. Of course, this isn’t just about the lead magnet. You’ve got to have a squeeze page with a sizzling sales copy to get people to drop into your enclosure. But it all begins with a good lead magnet. The stronger it is, the more successful you will be in meeting your audience.

5. Create An Affiliate Program

Many people do not understand the impact of affiliate marketing. Affiliates can provide a massive boost to production. But it’s not always that easy to approach the right partners. You need to have a successful conversion if you want a bigger affiliate to take you seriously.

I’ve found that managing the minefield partner can be difficult. It takes persistence, and it takes real determination to get it through. Most of us get frustrated after a few losses, but you can’t let emotions get in the way when it comes to the affiliate. Create an affiliate program and begin to reach out to potential partners who can assist you.