Last year, I spoke to author, Entrepreneur.com writer and social media expert Starr Hall. We discussed who the best people were to target and how to use all of my platforms and relationships to get the best coverage and promotion.
In talking about people to target, Starr said:
“Make sure they are master marketers.”
That really got me thinking about people in my networks who have a great brand, credentials and credibility, degrees and accomplishments–but aren’t engaged in their own self-marketing and promotion. They are not taking the lead on branding themselves through online communities, email marketing or at least a Facebook page.
In today’s business paradigm, combining the two worlds (in-person and online) and all of the platforms that afford us free access to people all over the world is a must. With so many solopreneurs, businesses of one, consultants, authors and trainers out there, being a master marketer is about the most important skill you can have in your toolbox as a businessperson today.
Here are 13 tools I have used to become a “master marketer.” These are proven ways to your build brand awareness and credibility and grow your relationships with your personal and professional communities.
- LinkedIn is the professional platform with unparalleled potential to introduce yourself to and interact with top people in your field or related fields.
- Facebook is the most diverse platform for engagement and interactivity.
- Twitter can be a “real time” communication tool.
- Blogging is the best way to build Klout and authority in your area of expertise.
- Email marketing can help you grow relationships with your permission-based community.
- Article writing, either on your own blog or for other key blogs and websites, builds your credibility.
- Texting used properly can also be a “real time” marketing tool.
- Video is the best way to show people your vibe, personality and how you present yourself.
- Workshops brand you as an expert in your field and also give you a platform to present yourself.
- Volunteering is the side door into many opportunities and align you with things you are passionate about.
- Networking online and in person can open up amazing opportunities with people all over the world or right in your community.
- Google+ is fast becoming another diverse tribe and community building platform.
- Blogtalkradio podcasting has opened more doors for me than just about any other platform.
All of these tools can greatly impact your brand awareness, sales, customer service, customer retention and your overall professional success and advancement. Many of these tools can be used in a very integrated way. You can start with a few key platforms and make them work for you, then add more as you get comfortable.
Hire a consultant, take a class, pay your kid to help you – but get going on making the commitment to become a master marketer for 2012!
Here are some “master marketers” Ad Age chose as great examples of this in action, who have built strong brands, consistent branding and big buzz. Who are some of the master marketers that you emulate?
Image from Ivan Montero Martinez/Shutterstock
Email marketing can be a huge help with keeping in touch with your subscribers! It can also be a great way of reaching out to new subscribers via opt-in lists. Of course, building relationships is the key to keeping your business strong, and you will find that exercising all of these methods will build brand loyalty.
Thanks for the article! It’s like a reminder/checklist. I should put this on the fridge!
Joel Libava
Thanks for this, Deborah.
I was surprised to see BlogTalk Radio in there as your biggest door opener.
Do you have a nice-sized audience?
The Franchise King®
deborah shane
Keith, email marketing was the first platform I used to grow my trust, 5 years ago! Still rocks.
deborah shane
Joel, Internet radio is about downloads. After 3 years I am over 32K! Opened a lot of doors, and I love radio!
Hannah
Thanks for a great article. The best of all is that it doesn’t break the bank, and one can use all those tools at little or no cost.
deborah shane
Hannah, indeed. The beauty of FREE and low cost ways to market yourself and your business today! Thanks for your comment.
Emails have their place in marketing but combining them with sms and social media marketing would even further the cause
It’s pretty easy to market with all of these services (many at no cost!); just gotta stay consistent.
I posted this article to http://www.facebook.com/nametaginc.
deborah shane
Patrick, agreed an integrated social media strategy is best with email marketing. This is built in now to most of the programs!
deborah shane
Ashley, Indeed it is and thanks so much for sharing on your FB page! I appreciate it!
Deborah – How are you doing text message marketing? It’s one of the areas you talked about where I’m not up to speed at all.
deborah shane
Robert, I am not using it, but I know restaurants, entertainment and retail that are, with good success. I think being careful about being “intrusive” for the right reasons and knowing the vendors who are texting you is very important. Like email marketing, it should be permission based. Having said that I sometimes get spam texts. Ask some of your clients if they are using it and see how they are doing with it.
Lionel Bachmann | Model Trains
Great list. I’m surprised to see podcasts on there, but it totally makes sense. Video seems like a no-brainer, but what if you have an interview, or content that goes on for an hour or more? In come podcasts. People can download it and listen to the content on their way to work, walking, or doing things around the house. Thanks.
deborah shane
Lionel, thanks for stopping by. OMG, my podcast, BTR platform has opened the most doors to key connections then just about any other! Been doing a business radio show 3 years and have over 32K downloads. You really should do one for model train enthusiasts! If you need help let me know.
Deborah, you have a great point. Last year for a research paper, I did a study on mass text marketing. People love when they get deals via text message to help them before lunch. This year, I am doing a study on how much businesses know about it. I was wondering if you could help post my survey or if thats against your practices? Let me know Thanks!!
Robert, a site I found for a research project talks about how to do opt-in mass text servies.. Its not considered Spam because people have to text ” subway” for example to 12345. This will get them deals from subway whenever they send them. Its a great tool for the younger generation to get involved with your business.
deborah shane
Michael, great to meet you, thanks for joining the convo. Text marketing CAN be very affective and I do agree it is more generational, but can be a good “reminder” for events, medical appts and the like. Email me on my website deborahshane.com, contact me link.
Thank you for sharing the tools. I did not know about Blogtalkradio until now!
deborah Shane
Donia, I am surprised more people haven’t discovered this amazing platform!
I agree with these list Deborah, I still don’t have G+ yet but I’ll make one to so that I could maximize my sharing experience with Google+ along with my other social media accounts. Thanks for sharing. It made me realize that I should really sign up for some those suggested accounts.
deborah shane
Tyra, pick the ones that you like the best and can fit your business goals the best and were your customers or potential customers are. Better to master a few than too dabble in many. Thanks for your comment.
emma
OMG, I don’t have a product (yet), no knowledge of how to start any of the above except FB but I’m hoping to write an e-book soon & sell on a shoestring.
How do I get started? I’m out of your league now but want to be in it pretty soon….. help. please.
Thank you.
Lalitha Brahma
Great list. Thanks Deborah.
I have incorporated quite a few in my marketing
efforts.
In 2012, I plan to get serious about using Video,
Google+ and Blogtalk radio
deborah shane
Emma, start from where you are and either hire someone or take some classes on how to use social media. Keep up your Facebook activity and use it to brand yourself with whatever the E-book is going to be about.
deborah shane
Lalitha, awesome about getting serious. The serious are taken more serious! Do you blog?
Richard A
This is an excellent resource for all. I would like to add that effective marketing takes time. Studying your market is also essential and the list above tells the whole story. For example look at the social media sites above, when you want to concentrate or other important stuff, you are forced to spend time building your campaigns. If the ROI on someone else or some other company is worth it, then go ahead, relax let someone build it up for you. I currently have trouble with my e-mail campaigns but its all part of the process. Thank you.
Deborah Shane
Richard, stay with the email marketing. It’s “gold” to have a permission based list that you can use to build deeper trust with. Indeed it takes time, but has a BIG payoff! Thanks for your comment.
Lalitha Brahma
Hi Deborah
I just saw your comment.
Thanks. Yes I do blog. You can view it here http://www.elbeeservicesllc.com/