When trying to attain contractor leads and grow a local business, one has to consider the ever changing phenomena we call the Internet. People market themselves creatively each and every day. When trying to reel in customers, what are you doing to set yourself apart from the competition to make those customers want to come to you?
Every local business owner needs to realize that nearly one third of the US population is online for approximately 3 hours each day throughout the week. During those three hours, they visit numerous sites. They shop, communicate, network, research, and so much more with just a click of a mouse.
With this being true, marketing your business in a way to attract traffic to your site is vital. You need to be informative, have special offers, use social media networking tactics, and make some changes so you’re not using the outbound marketing tactics that are now, in many ways, outdated.
Don’t get stuck in the rut with outdated marketing tactics
Outbound marketing tactics mean that you are pushing information and basically begging for leads. If you want to be more cost-effective, studies have shown that the traditional outbound marketing isn’t the best use of your resources today, such as snail mail, telemarketers, commercials, trade shows, etc. It’s time to start using more inbound marketing tactics instead. Statistics show that inbound marketing tactics can generate more revenue for your company and are more cost effective when compared to outbound marketing.
Start adding on the layers to boost your inbound marketing tactics
Inbound marketing tactics have replaced many outbound marketing tactics for most local businesses, and you do not want to be left behind!
Some inbound marketing tactics include:
- Blogging
- Social media marketing
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Lead nurturing
Research shows that traditional ways actually cost 60% more per lead when comparing them to inbound marketing costs. Aren’t you looking to save money with a higher return on investment? I’d like to think any savvy local business owner would say a resounding ‘yes’.
These methods are extremely important because more and more people are using social media in their buying decision. So having a good engaging online presence is a must.
Hi Nishanda! You are right, this is really important because many people depend on Social networking! They also make networking site as their advertising site! No wonder social media plays important role to our business!
I totally agree with you Nishadha, these methods are extremely important because a new era has come along. Everyone uses the internet and social media on the internet.
You could probably sign a statement assigning the business name to you and your husband and file an assumed business name with your state secretary of state’s office. It will depend upon your state. I would call the secretary of state’s office in your state. They should be able to help you. You could also talk to a business attorney in your state. I hope this answers your question.
Hey, Chris! I read your article with huge interest, but unfortunately you’ve lost me at the end: “Lead nurturing” – what is that?
I have to agree, inbound marketing is the way to go. 60% cheaper per lead is a nice number. Also people are losing more and more potential leads to inbound marketing.
Its so great to know and learn about the factors take by out bound and in bound marketing tactics.
Hi Chris,
That is an amazing difference in costs, 60%. I think most people respond quicker to internet marketing because of the ease to do so. I know several online companies that I shop with make it as easy as possible to order, receive and return merchandise. Much easier that getting in your car and driving to the mall and fighting those crowds. It is a click away.
I think the opportunity with social media is precisely what inbound marketing does, seduce them to come through the door verses pushing a piece of mail in the midst of all kinds of other useless mail in the 1-3% chance the respond. Yeah, I could see a cost savings there, but how are the man hours accounted for in that research study? There is a lot to social media besides a tweet and facebook page. There is skill and experienced needed. To get an idea of what you should be aware of when it comes to social media take a look at this university’s advanced social media marketing training curriculum.
I think that most businesses are focused on more traffic to produce more sales and they are missing out on using their existing traffic for more sales by nurturing their leads into buyers.
Joseph
Great information! Inbound marketing is something good that you have discussed. Its really very interesting to read your post.
I am agree with your statement.I think all these method are very impotent and useful .Today,s faster life every body looks busy but social media help us to join each other.
Establishing a good online presence is a must, given the advancements of the so called Social Media phenomenon; it is already a notch wherein telemarketing companies can maximize their potential in closing sales. Whatever platform or process it may be, whether inbound or outbound, your tactics should be spot on and engaging.
I agree, inbound marketing may have a distinct advantage over outbound, but I do think that a mixture of both inbound and outbound is going to be the best strategy for a business. Sure, its the 21st century, but the traditional methods such as telemarketing/commercials should still be considered so as not to isolate or neglect certain demographics.