The ever-changing and evolving self-marketing best practices arena continues to change at the speed of light. New platforms, media, apps, sites, and ideas emerge daily and are coming and going at a rapid pace.
Being and staying informed but not getting sidetracked or distracted from your plan can be challenging. There should be a mix of new ideas and the tried and true practices when self-marketing. Finding the best and right mix and blend for you is always the best approach to personal branding as well as business branding.
Marketing Charts reports these top 10 multi-platform social networking websites are clearly blending more with traditional methods of brand interaction, with no surprise Facebook leading the charge at 45 percent:
“There continues to be a strong tilt in adoption towards younger age groups, but the gap has closed over the years. This year, 90 percent of adults aged 18-29 are social media users, up from 78 percent in 2010. Not far behind, some 78 percent of 30-49-year-olds count as social media users, with that figure up from 53 percent in 2010.”
There is clear evidence that we are still watching TV, reading magazines and newspapers (more online) and listening to the radio. Add to that, the parallel world of content marketing with blogs, podcasts, e-marketing, mobile, text and social media platforms and we can and do get overwhelmed with all the choices.
You Have to Figure Out
- The marketing vehicles that are best for you and your customers.
- A clear brand and marketing message about you, what you offer, why you.
- Being consistent, looking professional and staying fresh.
Marketing yourself and your business is the most important aspect of your business plan and can greatly impact your success or failure. More focus on your brand authenticity, engagement and transparency is, however, more important to consumers and will continue to be. If you commit to being and proving you’re honest, you will have the best chance of earning consumer trust – and you will be rewarded.
Small Business Deals
As we navigate the complexities of self-marketing in this digital age, it’s helpful to understand the distinctions and overlaps between traditional and modern practices:
| Criteria | Traditional Marketing | Modern Digital Marketing |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | TV, Magazines, Newspapers, Radio | Website, Social Media, Email, Podcasts |
| Target Audience | Broad Demographic | Niche, Targeted Audience |
| Interactivity | Mostly One-way | Two-way Conversations |
| Cost | Can be High (especially for TV/radio) | Varies; some methods can be cost-effective |
| Measurability | More challenging to measure ROI | Easier tracking with analytics tools |
| Speed | Slower to produce & distribute | Instant or scheduled; rapid feedback |
| Flexibility | Less flexibility after launch | Easier to adjust/adapt in real-time |
| Reach | Local or National | Global |
| Authenticity | Controlled Brand Message | More engagement, transparency, and real-time authenticity |
| Lifespan | Limited (e.g., a TV spot duration) | Can be long-lasting (e.g., a blog post) |
Self-Marketing Ideas
As we all try to cut through the clutter, choices and options, below are self-marketing ideas and suggestions for the new year.
- A Great Website: In today’s digital age, having a website that is updated, user-friendly, and captivating is crucial. It’s your digital storefront, ensuring visitors get a positive first impression of your brand.
- WordPress Blog: An excellent platform for sharing knowledge and establishing yourself as an industry thought leader. By curating content from other experts, you also showcase your commitment to collaboration and continuous learning.
- LinkedIn Profile: Beyond a mere online resume, an active LinkedIn profile with endorsements underscores your professional credibility, showcasing your accomplishments and networking prowess.
- Facebook Page: While personal posts can be casual, a business page demands strategy. Done right, Facebook offers a platform for meaningful engagement and a deeper connection with your audience.
- Twitter: More than just bite-sized updates, Twitter is a tool for building your personal and business brand, highlighting shared values, and promoting strategic content.
- Podcasting: This auditory platform is growing in popularity. Offering insightful content or highlighting industry experts can position you at the forefront of your field.
- Email Marketing: Directly reaching your audience’s inbox means you’re just one click away from engagement. Personalized campaigns foster brand loyalty and keep your audience updated.
- Local Chamber & Organizations: In-person networking remains invaluable. Local chambers and organizations connect you with peers, potential clients, and collaborators in your community.
- Conferences: They’re more than just listening to speakers. Conferences are hubs for forming strategic relationships, learning industry trends, and positioning oneself as an industry player.
- Seminars & Workshops: Continuous learning is the key to adaptability. Enhancing your skills and knowledge base demonstrates commitment to your field and ensures you remain competitive.
- Brand Refresh: Just as fashion evolves, so should your brand. Regular updates ensure you resonate with current trends, maintaining a contemporary and relatable image.
- Partnerships & Alliances: Collaborative ventures extend your reach and offer fresh perspectives. Smart alliances can exponentially amplify the impact of your marketing efforts.
- Pro-bono Work: Beyond the clear ethical benefits, giving back showcases your values, establishes goodwill, and often introduces you to new networks or opportunities.
If you want to be taken seriously in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, then you have to be and act serious about adapting and adopting both the tried and true and the newest best self-marketing practices of the moment.
Embracing the dual paths of tradition and innovation isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity for growth and survival. This means not only staying abreast of the latest technologies and strategies but also grounding oneself in the fundamental principles that have proven effective over time.
But you don’t have to go it alone. Get some help, hire a consultant, take a class, or participate in workshops and webinars.
Investing in your own professional education by seeking expert guidance is not an expense; it’s a crucial investment in yourself and your business.
It reflects your dedication to constant growth, personal improvement, and an unwavering commitment to your brand’s integrity and excellence.
With the right mindset, tools, and support, you can transform your business’s marketing efforts and elevate your brand to new heights.
So the question stands, are you ready to make a serious stand with your brand? This is not just a challenge; it’s an invitation to step into your potential and bring your unique vision to the world.
New you Photo via Shutterstock
Great content. Just wanna add that people should try focusing on one thing at a time. I know all the tools are good but for starters all the tools can be overwhelming
That’s a very effective strategy! Getting command of the fundamentals is so important To help us grow organically. Thanks for your comment.
This year, I will change the branding and focus more on that. Instead of just looking for quick ways to make some profit, I will invest time and effort into building a brand and a lasting business.
That is the best way to be taken seriously, remembered and yes, make money. Build your brand, trust and serve.
Hey Deborah,
Thanks for the article post. All the points you have mentioned are very useful to be successful in business.
Thank you for your interest and support. Glad you feel it an help you achieve your success. Please come back!
You can try email marketing tools such as Easysendy Pro which costs you less and gives you a platform to send bulk emails to target audience.It is very useful and productive.Try out!