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If you're over 50 and starting a business, you aren't alone. According to Small Business Charter, the "senior entrepreneur"—or "seniorpreneur"—is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon. As a new business owner, you want to do all you can to ensure your entrepreneurial venture thrives. A comprehensive marketing plan is one key to success. Discover some essential marketing tips for seniorpreneurs below.
Define your unique selling proposition
Your unique selling proposition, USP, is what makes your business stand out from the crowd. Odds are that other companies offer similar products or services to yours. What makes you different? Why should customers come to you? Answering questions like this will help you define your USP, which will then serve as the cornerstone of your marketing plan. A great USP should be clear, assertive, and focused on what customers value.
Develop a marketing plan around your USP
With your USP defined, you can go on to define your marketing plan. ZenBusiness outlines essential components to include, such as market research, a definition of your target market, and a mission statement. You can then define your marketing goals and determine what media you'll use, like flyers or social media. If you're having trouble writing your own marketing plan, a professional like Concept Marketing Group can help.
Create an engaging website
A strong internet presence makes it easy for potential customers to find you online and can boost your brand. Your website should be clear, comprehensive, and user-friendly. Additionally, make sure that it's mobile-friendly, as many people now solely rely on mobile devices for the internet. If you're struggling to come up with a website concept, take a look at other compelling designs for inspiration.
Set up social media accounts
Your social media should be aligned with your website in terms of branding. Decide what social media channels you want to use and create content calendars to map out your posts in advance. This ensures consistent activity. If your business is visual—for example, you create beautiful baked goods—Instagram is a great pick. Use Adobe Spark's Instagram post maker to make it easy. Simply select a template and then customize and resize it as needed.
Build a strong email list
Email marketing is another cost-efficient way to boost your brand and promote your business. To maintain an engaged email list, make sure you're providing your subscribers with unique and attractive content, like special deals or promotions. WordStream offers additional tips for using email to grow a small business, like crafting compelling content, running promotions, providing lead magnets, and more.
Connect with your community
As a senior business owner, connecting with your community can be a great way to stay engaged while supporting your business’s success. Whenever possible, use local suppliers and vendors for your business needs, building a strong network of local entrepreneurs around you. Other tips for connecting with your community include hiring locally, joining area business chambers and trade groups, and talking to local journalists and community leaders.
Network and cross-promote with other entrepreneurs
When connecting with your community, don't neglect other businesses. Liaising with other entrepreneurs can be a valuable means of marketing. Cross-promotion is one great example. For effective cross-promotion, look for services and products that have a logical synergy with yours. For example, if you own a bakery that makes beautiful cakes, an event planner is a great connection to nurture.
Starting your own business in your senior years can be an exciting new chapter in your life. The above guide provides some basic marketing tips that will help you promote your entrepreneurial venture, paving the path towards lasting success.
For more marketing content, check out the Marketing Source blog.