If you’re an older adult over the age of 50, you’ve likely felt the itch to challenge yourself and conquer new horizons.
For many, entrepreneurship is the perfect way to do this – and seniors certainly have the time and resources to devote to this strenuous undertaking.
However, to make it to the top, you’ll need more than just a big idea and a passionate heart.
Yep, we’re talking about marketing, which is a fast-growing field. And with complicated terms, constantly changing guidelines, and over-saturated audiences, it can feel daunting to take on the world of marketing.
In this article, I share essential advice every senior needs, to skyrocket their marketing efforts and see a difference in their bottom line. Let’s get into it.
Start Simple
You don’t need a pricey marketing agency to help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals! All you need to do is start simple and take it step by step.
Before you begin the real work, you’ll need to do lots of market research to determine your future strategies. Some questions to ask yourself include:
● What does your demographic look like?
● What products or services would they be interested in?
● Is there a gap in the specific industry that your product or service would fill?
● What price point would appeal to your audience?
From here, you’ll be able to identify a target market and what particulars would make your business stand out in their eyes.
Other elements of your marketing plan will include fundraising, social media, and traditional advertising like print media and flyer marketing.
Get Organised
Next, it’s time to get your affairs in order. You need a long-term goal to work towards and concrete strategies to help you work towards it.
The best way to figure out your goals? Sit down for a brainstorming session! Consider what you wish to prioritize – growth, ROI, profits, or brand awareness. And then work backward with smaller marketing strategies to help you achieve your dreams.
Set Up a Website
In today’s tech fuelled world, the first thing a potential customer will do is check out your business website.
Thus, your website must look great with eye-catching graphics and consistent visual identity across your marketing efforts and social channels.
This is the best way to earn digital legitimacy! Another tip is to ensure your site is mobile-friendly and search engine optimized.
All your business information should be up on the site, including an ‘about us’ section, a shop page, and a blog, in addition to information about brick and mortar stores.
Leverage Social Media
Do you know what goes hand in hand with an appealing website? The power of social media! Many seniors tend to dismiss social media as a secondary marketing strategy.
We would argue that social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok are essential and primary. For example, your services could go viral, generating a ton of traffic.
At the very least, your social presence will generate steady organic traffic and help you stay current with things.
Let’s take the example of Instagram. So many brands set up shop on this platform due to its business-friendly UI and promotion opportunities built into the app.
Having a business on Instagram will also showcase your company values while building a solid and loyal community.
To stay on top of the game, ensure that your Instagram posts are share-worthy and eye-catching.
The easiest way to do this is by using an Instagram post generator like Adobe Spark Post that does the work for you.
All you need to do is choose a template and customize elements like font, color, text, and add in your graphics and photos.
Offer Freebies
So convinced about your product that you know people would love it if they could just try it? Well, it’s time to put that theory to the test! Identify members of your audience or influencers to send free products to.
This is an effective marketing strategy because if people love something, they’re willing to go out of the way to share it! And don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth, which can propel your business to new heights.
Coupons like buying one get one or a certain percentage off the next purchase are also highly effective ways to get loyal customers coming back for more.
Cross-Collaboration
Hitch your wagon to a star, and watch the magic unfold. Cross-promotion and collaboration with other businesses in your industry is a surefire way to get new customers while building healthy business relationships.
Your business will benefit from exposure to an already converted and loyal customer base, while your partner’s business will benefit from exposure to your clientele!
It’s a win-win situation and works wonders for getting that bottom line up.
Luckily, seniors have a whole host of business contacts built up from years of experience. Be sure to leverage your network, and you’ll be golden!
Marketing is essential for every business owner, but it can be a survival strategy for a new entrepreneur.
Getting the word out about your new venture can be challenging – it is likely your audience won’t pick up on the merits of your idea as quickly as you’d hoped.
To add to that, marketing is constantly changing. Guerrilla marketing was once at its peak, and today, we’re all about digital marketing.
To retain your competitive edge, you will need to evolve with the market. So take it slow, keep it current, and work your way to the top of the (marketing) ladder.
Conclusion
Marketing if well executed could bring more benefits to your business than you ever imagined. A well-marketed business will continuously make you lots of income for years to come.