Top Marketing Mistakes

To err is human.   To err in marketing is… common.  Don’t get caught making the same marketing mistakes again and again.  Step back and ask yourself if your current marketing campaigns suffer from any of the following marketing mistakes:

• Talking About Yourself Too Much:  Just because you talk about yourself online doesn’t mean you have an effective marketing tool.  Social media users are on those sites to socialize, not to be enticed by advertisements.  While a little bit of advertising on social media sites can absolutely reap rewards, it isn’t the end-all-be-all if you’re looking for optimal return.  Instead, engage your consumers and potential customers by creating content that speaks directly to them.  If you’re unsure how to do this, consider redirecting some of your marketing budget towards hiring a content writer that can help you take your business to the next level.

• The Content Isn’t Engaging:  If you were reading your content as a customer, would you be overwhelmed by super-salesy advertising that doesn’t engage you as a person?  Often times, it can be super easy to get wrapped up in your own promotions, and it’s only natural to get lost in your own ideas when you’re proud of what you’re doing.  If you’re not sure how your content is reading, enlist a friend, family member, or neighbor that isn’t directly involved with your project (but one that you can still trust to be 100% honest with you).  Bringing in fresh eyes will help you understand how you’re speaking to your customers, and if you’re more focused on advertising than creating conversation, be open to the idea of altering your words.

• Lackluster Writing:  Not all business owners can write quality content.  If this describes you, or if you just dislike writing, know that your potential customer can likely be turned off by a poor turn of prose.  If writing is not your thing, set aside a few marketing dollars in favor of hiring a content writer who can really benefit your business.  Your credibility in the eyes of your potential consumers often starts with what they read; if the verbiage you offer them is not appeasing to the eyes, you’ve likely lost your placement as an authority figure in their mind.

• Missing Your Target Market:  You may want a particular type of consumer to shop with you, or you may create ads that appeal to you, but what about the people who actually shop your store.  Spend some time understanding who your target market is and ensure your marketing appeals to them.  If you’re a 55 year old diabetic who owns a coffee shop in Danbury, CT, it would likely be unwise to focus your messages on your sugar-free pastry options.  Instead, you should try to appeal to your younger 20-30 demographics’ love for a mid-day coffee and cookie fix.  Not only will your campaign be more effective, but it will attract a wider market of ready customers.

If you find yourself making these common mistakes, don’t become disheartened.  Instead, imagine how much more successful your marketing will be in the future, with the right focus.  And, of course, Optimum Systems Online is always there to help bring your marketing to the path of success.  Give us a call today and gain a great partner in marketing and online communications.

If you enjoyed this blog, you may also enjoy reading, “The ‘Bad Words” of Marketing”