Lets Get Back To Basics

With the volatility of the market and the challenges that we are currently facing, sometimes we really need to take a look at some basics to prevent sales from dipping further. Below are some steps that we might be able to use in increasing marketing effectiveness during these challenging times.

1. Check Your Product and Service Mix
Talk to your customers. Find out how you can provide more value to your customers. How can you meet smaller clients demand or customers with a lower budget? Your customers are more willing to tell you what the market needs.

2. Audit Your Brand
How your customers see your products or services reflects your company. A consistent experience, a single ‘voice’ and the ways you communicate your brand is critical. Improve it and protect it.

3. Enhance The Customer Experience
It is always more expensive to acquire a new customer than get more business from the existing customer. Each customer you lose, you are drying up your own pocket over time. Enhance your customer experience and improve your customer touchpoints to increase awareness, acquisition, loyalty and retention.

4. Look Into Your Database
Your database is like a gold mine. Capitalize and use it. Reactivate your dormant customers with new promotions, products and services. Call up your current customers for referrals. They will be happy to pass you referrals if they are comfortable with you.

5. Gain More By Using Customer Insights
The more you know about your customers, the more predictive you can be. You can accurately target your brand and marketing to meet the specific needs of your customers. Your customers’ voice, your reputation online will all lead you to a better understanding and act accordingly with ease and speed.

6. Control Your Cost
Not to reduce cost but use it wisely. Ensure that your budget is used wisely with greater value for every dollar spent in your marketing activities. Always relate it to marketing ROI and cost control to ensure that the marketing investments bring the greatest revenue.

7. Marketing Measurements
What you can measure, can be improved. Many marketers are unable to ascertain whether their marketing efforts work. Smart marketers will combine science and art to ensure marketing effectiveness. Always measure the outcome to ensure your marketing investments give you the greatest return.