Six ways to boost your business brand

1. Get on board with social media and SEO
Social media is free and is an increasingly popular way for people to interact with businesses, so it makes sense to use it. Firstly, identify your target audience and then tailor your message for the appropriate platform they use. For instance, if you are trying to reach a Facebook audience, consider using image-heavy posts that ask questions and encourage interactivity. For a LinkedIn post, you will want something that has the ring of authority and that will be of interest to professionals.

SEO (search engine optimisation) is about boosting your visibility on search engines through strategies such as the use of targeted keyword phrases in content. Best practice SEO has become increasingly more sophisticated and the dynamics are constantly changing. Ideally, you should consider hiring an SEO expert to advise you on how to push your brand up the crowded traffic of Google pathways.

2. Using 1800 numbers

How do you attract the people who are mildly curious to check out your brand? A toll free 1800 number can yield excellent results. People are more likely to ring if it’s free, giving you the opportunity to make a connection or a potential sale. A toll free number can also make a small business seem like a much larger organisation, and boost your reach.

3. Community role

A small business can really cut through as a local community patron. Have a look at local sports, arts or community activities that you can sponsor or partner with. Choose a community event that fits in with your brand message, and it can really raise your profile and push your brand to an audience you might not normally reach.

4. Value your customers

Making customers feel they’re part of an inner circle or club can help make them more interested in your brand and keep them coming back to you. There’s a few ways of doing this. You can create free ebooks or give free trials of services. You can offer free products, or run prize competitions.

5. Collect endorsements

Endorsements from satisfied customers tend to resonate over expensive marketing. Whether it’s industry figures or everyday consumers, honest and positive assessments of your business lend weight to your brand, and encourage people to deal with you. You shouldn’t be scared of approaching celebrities either – especially if your brand fits in with their profile and reach.

6. Regular blog posts and articles

Don’t discount the power of writing blogs for your own website or articles for industry or consumer publications. You get a credit, and it also helps to raise your profile as a trusted voice in your industry.