We have all been bombarded with flyers in the mail, or radio and TV ads that blast out messages. Many of us just toss the junk mail into the trash or turn the channel. Throwing messages out to the masses is becoming less popular in the marketing community. A new tool has come on the block. It’s called inbound marketing.
What is Inbound Marketing?
Inbound marketing focuses on drawing in the right customers with valuable content that entices them to engage with you. Customers find you through a search engine or social media. Examples of inbound marketing include blog articles, YouTube videos, podcasts, email marketing and social media posts. They seek you out. You don’t need to chase them.
Did You Know…
Your target audience is already using the internet to do research before they make a purchase.
In fact, about 81% of retail customers do research online before they buy.
Inbound Marketing Strategies
This type of marketing uses three types of strategies: attracting, engaging, and delighting.
Attracting Strategies
Inbound marketing strategies that attract potential customers are tied to quality content creation. Well-crafted blogs, content offers and social media can all provide value. Examples include guides on how to use your products, solutions they offer, and customer testimonials. You will also need an SEO strategy that includes specific keywords and phrases that will attract the right customers.
Engaging Strategies
Businesses must engage with their audience. This will make them want to have a long-term relationship with you. When you communicate with potential customers, highlight the value your products or services will provide them.
How you manage inbound sales calls is key. When dealing with potential customers, give them quality customer service. Also, make sure you are always selling solutions, not products.
Delighting Strategies
It’s important that customers are happy, satisfied and supported long after they make a purchase. Chatbots and surveys are useful tools. They can be used to assist, support and request feedback from customers.
A chatbox can help current customers try out a new technique or tactic you’ve started offering. A satisfaction survey sent out six months after a customer makes a purchase can help you make improvements.
Social media listening is another useful technique. Folks can reach out to you on one of your platforms to ask questions or share their experience with your products or services. Make sure you respond to them in a timely fashion with helpful information.
Types of Inbound Marketing Strategies
There are many inbound marketing strategies on the market. Here are a few to get you started on your journey.
Give away a free guide related to your business. It will provide valuable information to potential prospects. You can build your email list at the same time.
Choose a Few Keywords. Pick a couple of relevant keywords and use them throughout your website. Choose ones that people are likely to enter into a search engine when looking for your type of business.
Build your personal brand. You want to separate yourself from the competition. Focus on what makes your products or services unique. Show off your personality.
Engage on Social Media. Show up for your followers and engage with them. Ask them questions, answer theirs, and respond to tweets.
Create an Email Popup. An email list is a key business-builder. An email opt-in popup can help you build your email list. Create powerful subject lines that capture interest.
Be a guest blogger. People who engage in guest blogging write articles for other websites related to their industry. It provides you with powerful linkbacks, a bigger audience, and helps you build your personal brand.
Need a Business Advisor?
If you are ready to work with a top-notch business advisor, give Lodestar Advisors a call. You can reach us at 443-280-0890, or by filling out the online form at the bottom of our webpage. We can’t wait to start this journey with you!
Sources
https://www.impactplus.com/blog/inbound-marketing-benefits
https://www.hubspot.com/inbound-marketing
https://martech.org/6-inbound-marketing-techniques-every-startup-should-use/