7 Reasons to Hire A Marketing Consultant for a Small Business

By: Kayla McDonald 

Hiring a marketing consultant is a good choice whether your organization needs support with social media, website design, or advertising. To help companies in creating a solid foundation for business growth,  Marketing professionals combine their business skills, such as strategic thinking and problem-solving, with technical expertise. They can help you develop a marketing strategy to reach ideal customers.

What Is a Marketing Consultant?

Depending on their skill set (such as Event marketing or Web design) and industry  (such as consumer products or B2B services)  a marketing consultant may concentrate on a specific niche. Regardless of their area of expertise, these experts should be able to improve your marketing efforts! However the process of finding a suitable fit for your organization can be daunting, so here's a list 7 qualities to look for when hiring your next Marketing Consultant.

1. Accountability Partner - Entrepreneurship can get lonely. A whopping 86.4% of non-employer businesses are sole proprietorships. Hiring a marketing consultant is beneficial because they can serve as an accountability partner, ensuring that projects are completed and goals are reached.

1.  Personalized Coaching Experience - There's no one size fits all solution when it comes to marketing. A good marketing consultant honors each client's unique journey, giving you the opportunity to build on the knowledge and skills you already have.
   
   

1.  Develop a Clear Understanding of How the Internet Works - This allows you to stop throwing spaghetti at the wall hoping something sticks! Furthermore, a marketing consultant can help you to gain a clear understanding of how the internet works and how it can be leveraged to your advantage.
    

1. Gain a New member of your professional network - Having a marketing consultant who is knowledgeable and experienced in their field can give you peace of mind when it comes to applying strategies with proven results!

2. Uncover Your Blind Spots - It sounds obvious, but you can’t fix what you can’t see. You likely don’t realize what's holding you back. A marketing consultant can help you identify those problem areas that are unknown to you.

1.  Clarity - Many of us are dealing with "information overload" which means you’ve heard so many ideas, that you don't know where to start or what to choose. Marketing consultants help businesses evaluate their current situation and set clear plans of action.

1.  Flexible Scheduling - Since everyone is not full-time self-employed most Marketing agencies offer evening and weekend hours for clients to work around their work schedule. In addition, you can work remotely as marketing sessions are conducted through phone or video conference. 

In conclusion, small business owners can find the support and guidance they need in working with marketing consultants. These professionals can offer a fresh perspective on your brand and customer’s experience that may have been overlooked. Compact Digital Marketing has experts who are sensitive to your unique business needs. We want to teach you how the internet works, as well as provide you with key insights into current trends and technologies for business grow! Contact us today.

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What A "Domain Name" Means For Your Business

By: Kayla McDonald

 At first glance, many houses may look identical on the same street. Someone new to that neighborhood  probably would mistake one home from the next. Similarly it's just as easy for business owners to confuse the meaning of a domain and website - however they are quite different. While both are equally important in building your online reputation, knowing what a “domain name” is can go a long way in controlling your web presence  - especially if you want to sell things on the website!  A domain name and website have a close relationship because they work together to display information on the internet. Here's what you need to know...

A domain name (web address) is the combination of letters, numbers or symbols that you type into an address bar to view a website. Once you press enter or select the domain, the website appears. This is what people usually see after the page loads. For instance, think of a domain name like your home address and the website as the physical building. An address is how someone finds your home, but the style, size and layout of your home might vary from other houses nearby. The domain tells online shoppers where to find your information on the web!

• Are people searching for your idea, product or service online?

• Have you developed a website?

• Do you own a domain name?

Consumers are searching the internet to make buying decisions — from what to eat for dinner to which school is best for their kids. If you operate a business, you need a domain name and website.

Nowadays there are free and paid ways to build websites. Regardless of which option you choose, you cannot have a website without a domain name.  I recommend buying a custom domain name to establish your brand, protect your intellectual property and make a name for yourself on the web. So don’t delay, I’ve partnered with one of the world’s largest web hosting companies to help you find or manage domain names for your website! * Schedule  A Discovery Call to Get Started!

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10 Marketing Ideas For StartUp Businesses

 Starting a business is an exciting way to launch a new career. Entrepreneurship presents us with unlimited opportunities to share our passion with like-minded communities. That's why branding is so important because it reminds people Who you are, What you do and Why it matters.

 

 Before moving forward in the brand development process, make sure you've selected the business name, colors, fonts, company logo, slogan, mission statement and targeted audience for your idea, product or service. Canva is a great software if you’re interested in creating them yourself. These items build a strong foundation for your promotional efforts. The next step in building your brand is Promotion.

 

A variety of marketing materials can be used to promote your brand. Keeping your business memorable in the minds of consumers requires consistency. No matter what business name, colors, fonts, company logo, slogan, mission statement or targeted audience you choose, all the company's marketing materials should match. For example: Amazon.com is a good example of brand consistency! They started out as an online bookstore and continue to add new products & services while keeping brand elements the same. Amazon includes company logos and colors for each product line on packaging, websites, mobile apps, company uniforms and more!

 

 Here's a list of 10 ways to promote your brand. 

 

1. Contact Number  - A contact phone number used exclusively for business is a great way for potential customers to reach you.
   
   

2. Professional Voicemail - Having a professional business message recorded on your phone helps build credibility with customers.
   
   

3. Business E-mail address -  A standard email address is acceptable but having an email address that matches your business name is a bonus!
   
   

4. Marketing Plan - Businesses that plan methods of promotion overtime, have the advantage of effectively measuring their results which can save them time and money (Return on Investments).
   
   

5. Domain Name & Company Website - Buying a domain name (web address) gives online shoppers a description to find your information online! While your website is a visual display of your business on the internet and often required to qualify for grants & business loans.
   
   

6. Promotional Materials - Often displayed as printed or physical products to market your brand. Examples: Custom apparel, office supplies and company vehicles!
   
   

7. Social Media Accounts - Allow you to build relationships, advertise and publish information across various online media channels. Examples: Blogs, video conferences, niche websites, business directory listings etc.
   
   

8. Public Relations - Creating the opportunity to reach a broader audience by sharing your business with press releases, news articles, magazines and more!
   
   

9. Special Events - Inviting groups of people to visit your booth, participate in sponsorships or attend events is a great way to promote your business.
   
   

10.  Paid Advertising - Whether it’s printed, digital, TV commercial or a radio ad, this form of marketing is one of the fastest  ways to reach your targeted audience.

 Every organization has a brand identity that consumers use to make buying decisions. Business owners who develop their brand attract new business, gain supporters and satisfy repeat customers.

For more information on how we can help your business, Schedule a 123 Info Session 

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