Happy New Year! As we enter 2017, you might feel overwhelmed with resolutions and the desire to improve upon last year. But, sometimes the hardest part is placing proper focus on the right priorities. With a plethora of ways to market your message, it’s easy to fall into analysis-paralysis. So, I’m giving 10 marketing “Do’s and Don’ts” to help your business expand this year:
1. Do Grow Your Email Newsletter List
My most successful clients all have large e-newsletter lists with at least 50,000 subscribers. If you don’t have a newsletter, start one today. If you do, maintain consistency and focus on growing your database. Encourage signups by offering an exclusive resource to attract new subscribers. Set a goal to add at least 100 new subscribers per month.
2. Don’t Stop Asking For Referrals
Last year, over 50% of my revenue came via referrals. Obtaining referrals is the most efficient and cost-effective way to increase your business. Generating referrals is simply asking current customers, “Who else do you know who needs my value?” or “Could you introduce me to _____?”
3. Do Enhance Your Brand
There are so many voices competing for America’s attention that it’s imperative to be seen as an object of interest. If you have no brand, or your brand is bland, make 2017 the year to resolve the problem. For expert advice on this topic, see Chapter 3 in my book, Sell Your Book Like Wildfire. Don’t have a copy? Click here
4. Do Launch New Products
For every good book, product, or service, there are usually three or more spin-off opportunities. For instance, turn a printed book into an e-book, live event, or video curriculum. Take your top-selling products and offer them into larger or smaller sizes. Doing so helps you attract a wider audience and expand sales more efficiently.
5. Don’t Let Your Website Get Stale
Are you guilty of going through 2016 without updating your website? If so, you’re implying that your business is stagnant. This year, add new content on a monthly basis, such as new articles, stories, samples, testimonials, products, case studies, etc.
6. Do Raise Your Fees
When was the last time you raised the prices on your products or services? Inflation is always going up, and if your fees don’t rise with it, you’ll fall behind. You should be smarter than a year ago, so you should be worth more. Raise your fees!
7. Do Attend Major Conferences in Your Field
Where do influential leaders gather? At major conferences and events. If you want to meet them, you’ve got be in the same room rubbing shoulders together. Pick at least one new conference to attend and put it in your 2017 budget.
8. Don’t Burn Yourself Out
The typical author, business owner, and non-profit director works a tireless schedule. Downtime can get pushed to the backburner, which leads to exhaustion, stress, and lowered creativity. Plan vacations now and make them sacrosanct. You’ll face 2017 feeling more relaxed knowing a vacation is on the books.
9. Do Pursue Bulk Sales
Bulk sales provide more revenue with less effort. For example, if you speak at conferences, encourage the director to buy your book for every attendee. Provide volume discounts as the quantity goes up, or create a special version of your product unique to the customer, such as custom covers, exclusive content, bonuses, etc.
10. Don’t Skip Your Professional Growth
Don’t view professional development or hiring outside expertise as an expense. View it as investing money today to make more money tomorrow. But, only take advice from someone who has succeeded at achieving your intended goal. If you want to increase your business acumen, you must increase your skills.
As you read these 10 Marketing Do’s and Don’ts for 2917, pick two or three issues and work on them this week.
Don’t let this advice go to waste. Do have a happy and fruitful 2017!
2017 photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
