B2B and Manufacturing marketing

B2B and Manufacturing marketing

B2B and Manufacturing marketing

B2B and Manufacturing marketing comes with distinctive challenges. From intricate internal and external relationships to prolonged sales cycles and the unique nature of complex products. Navigating this landscape requires tailored strategies. Here are some of the specific hurdles faced by manufacturing marketers and some solutions to combat these issues.

1. Complex Relationships:

The Problem:

B2B marketers face unique challenges, including complex relationships within the organization (e.g., with sales) and external connections with vendors, supply chains, and clients. According to Hubspot data, only about half of B2B marketers feel effective collaboration with sales teams.

The solution to this:

Using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can help a lot if you’re a B2B or manufacturing marketer dealing with complicated relationships. This tool keeps all your important info in one place, helps you work better with others, gives you insights from data. So, it makes handling tricky connections easier, helping everyone in the team work together better.

2. Contracts are already in place:

The Problem:

Most B2B businesses already have a preferred supplier who they have a good relationship with. Many are not looking for a new supplier and will only do so when something goes wrong with their current supplier.

The solution to this:

Proactively focus on building brand awareness and credibility. Create informative content, actively participate in industry events, maintain a strong online presence, and gather client testimonials. By consistently showcasing your expertise and unique offerings, you increase the likelihood of being considered as a valuable alternative, even when businesses are not actively seeking a new supplier.

3. Specific Needs in Manufacturing:

The Problem:

Manufacturing marketers have specific needs. Unlike consumer marketing’s emphasis on website traffic, manufacturers can’t solely drive traffic to a site; considerations include business niche, limiting public-facing information, and customizing client interactions.

The solution to this:

Create helpful content about your industry, like blog posts and case studies. You can share this content on social media and via email. This way, you don’t have to rely only on website visits. Plus, it lets you talk to clients in a way that suits their needs, making the brand a go-to source in the industry.

4. Long Sales Cycles:

The Problem:

B2B business often involves long sales cycles, where B2B marketing focuses on brand awareness and lead generation. Leads generated require nurturing over weeks, months, or even years before deals close. This puts pressure on the ROI with your marketing.

The solution to this:

A solution is to implement a strong content marketing strategy. By creating valuable content tailored to different buyer journey stages, such as guides and case studies, marketers can keep potential clients engaged over time. Additionally, fostering direct and personalized communication through regular check-ins and industry events contributes to building trust.

5. Complex Products:

The Problem:

Manufacturing businesses selling complex products may not succeed in direct online sales to B2B buyers. Consideration of buyer interactions in the early stages of the buying journey is crucial.

The solution to this:

For manufacturing businesses dealing with intricate products and services, the personalized touch beats just putting everything online. Engage directly with buyers, take the time to delve into their unique needs, and offer tailored advice to enhance their specific situation. This thoughtful approach goes beyond a standard online transaction, fostering a more meaningful connection with clients.

6. More Stakeholders to Convince:

The Problem:

Business buying decisions in medium and large companies involve multiple steps, requiring continuous marketing support throughout the process.

The solution to this:

A content-driven marketing strategy is key. Generate insightful content like case studies and thought leadership pieces emphasizing the unique benefits of choosing your business. Share this content strategically across different channels to consistently reinforce your value proposition. Additionally, prioritize personalized communication, tailoring messages to address the specific needs of potential clients. By establishing your brand as a reliable and valuable partner over the long term, you can influence business buying decisions, even in the presence of preferred suppliers.

 

In summary, marketing in manufacturing, presents unique challenges requiring tailored strategies. From intricate relationships to specific needs and prolonged sales cycles, success lies in adaptability and innovation. As we conclude, we salute the resilience of B2B and manufacturing marketers navigating this dynamic landscape.

Small business marketing outsourcing

Small business marketing outsourcing

Why Small Businesses Should Outsource Their Marketing: A Cost-Effective Guide

In today’s competitive business landscape, small business marketing outsourcing is becoming important. Finding and retaining skilled staff can be a daunting challenge for small businesses, especially in manufacturing. As you explore ways to boost your market presence, consider the benefits of partnering with an outsourced marketing agency. This blog will walk you through the compelling reasons to outsource your marketing efforts, offering a cost-effective solution that can help your business shine.

1. Cost-Effective Marketing Solutions for Small Businesses

Outsourcing your marketing activities can often prove to be a more budget-friendly choice than hiring an in-house marketing team. By choosing the outsourcing route, you can sidestep the hefty costs associated with recruiting, training, and maintaining an in-house workforce. These expenses include equipment, benefits, and salaries, which can quickly add up for small businesses.

2. Access Specialised Marketing Expertise

Small businesses may lack the in-house expertise needed for a robust marketing strategy. Outsourcing to marketing agencies and consultants provides access to specialized knowledge you might not possess internally. These professionals often boast experience in diverse industries and marketing techniques, bringing a wealth of wisdom to enhance your marketing strategy.

3. Scalability: Tailor-Made for Your Business Needs

The flexibility offered by outsourced marketing allows your small business to quickly adapt and adjust marketing efforts as circumstances demand. For instance, you can collaborate with an agency for a specific campaign or project, eliminating the need to expand your workforce.

4. Fresh Perspectives and Objectivity for Effective Marketing

Outsourced marketing agencies or consultants introduce an invaluable objective outlook to your marketing endeavours. They bring fresh ideas and insights that an in-house team, closely aligned with your company’s culture and goals, might overlook. This objectivity can lead to more creative and successful marketing strategies.

5. Focus on Core Competencies: Business Growth Over Marketing Hassles

Small businesses often excel when they concentrate on their core strengths and priorities. Outsourcing marketing tasks frees up valuable resources that can be channelled into product development, enhancing customer service, or strengthening other critical areas of your business.

No matter the size of your business, an effective marketing campaign is essential to make your presence known in the market. Consider outsourcing your marketing efforts for a cost-effective, expert solution to help your small business shine. With this approach, you can reach your target audience and achieve business growth while staying competitive in the manufacturing industry.

Remember! A good story lasts years. Start telling yours!

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Get in Touch with Us

Reasons to book your Assertive Marketing consultation

 

 

  • It’s a completely free, no-obligation consultation.
  • You’ll get info on what your competition is doing online.
  • We will visit your company
  • Discover how valuable our packages can be!

 

 

Phone

0411 334 506

 

Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses

Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses

A better way to post your social media posts

Unlocking the Power of social media for Small Businesses: A Guide

In today’s digital age having a Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses has become a powerhouse for small businesses looking to boost their online presence and attract potential customers. Many small business owners believe that showcasing their work through pictures alone is enough to pique interest. While sharing your projects is essential, there’s a more strategic way to leverage social media to your advantage.

 

Why You Should Share Stories, Not Just Photos

When it comes to social media, it’s not just about displaying your work; it’s about telling a compelling story. The key is to present your projects in a way that resonates with your potential customers. Here’s how you can do it:

 

1. Spotlight Your Customers’ Needs

Imagine this: a customer chooses your services because they have a problem they need to solve. For instance, they want to reduce their electricity costs. Instead of saying, “Look at what we did,” tell the story from your customer’s perspective. Describe why they needed your services and how you helped them achieve their goal. For example, “Our customer was looking to slash their power bills, so we designed a system that reduced their reliance on the grid.”

 

2. Attract Like-Minded Customers

Your social media posts should target people who are dealing with similar issues. These are the potential customers you want to reach. They’ll be more interested in your posts because you’re addressing a problem they’re currently facing. By sharing content that relates to their concerns, you’re more likely to catch their attention.

 

3. Craft a Cohesive story

The essence of your social media strategy is to build a consistent and relatable story. Keep in mind that businesses exist to solve customer problems. So, when you share your story, consider not only your current customers but also your past and future ones. This creates a powerful and enduring narrative that speaks to your target audience.

 

The Long-Lasting Impact of a Good Story

Remember, an engaging story can leave a lasting impression. By sharing your customers’ journeys and how your business aids them, you’re more likely to connect with potential customers. So, start narrating your story today and see how social media can transform your small business.

Best ways to build an audience on linkedin

Best ways to build an audience on linkedin

best ways to build an audience on linkedin

A client recently asked me to help them with their linkedin activities. The first thing I suggested was to build their audience. So, I thought today I would give a few hints on the best ways to do this. Building an audience on LinkedIn requires consistent effort and a strategic approach. Here are some best ways to build an audience on LinkedIn:

Optimize your profile:

Your LinkedIn profile should be complete, professional-looking, and optimized for search engines. Use relevant keywords in your headline, summary, and job descriptions to increase your chances of appearing in search results.

Create and share valuable content:

Share valuable and engaging content on LinkedIn to attract and retain followers. Create content that is relevant to your target audience, and share it consistently. Be sure to mix up the format of your content (e.g., text posts, videos, images, and infographics).

Engage with your audience:

Respond to comments and messages promptly and engage with your followers by asking questions, sharing industry news, and providing helpful insights. This will help you build relationships with your audience and keep them engaged.

Use LinkedIn groups:

Join and participate in LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry or niche. Share your content and engage with other members to expand your reach and build relationships.

Collaborate with others:

Partner with other LinkedIn users to cross-promote each other’s content and build your audiences together. You can also consider guest posting on other LinkedIn users’ blogs or hosting a joint webinar.

Remember, building an audience on LinkedIn takes time and effort. Consistency is key, so make sure you’re regularly sharing valuable content and engaging with your audience to build long-lasting relationships.

 

Remember! A good story lasts years. Start telling yours!

Content Marketing Strategy
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Get in Touch with Us

Reasons to book your Assertive Marketing consultation

 

 

  • It’s a completely free, no-obligation consultation.
  • You’ll get info on what your competition is doing online.
  • We will visit your company
  • Discover how valuable our packages can be!

 

 

Phone

0411 334 506

 

Tips for small business on your Content Marketing on social media

Tips for small business on your Content Marketing on social media

Tips for small business on your Content Marketing on social media

Tips for small business on your Content Marketing on social media. As a small business owner there are many things to keep in mind when you’re thinking about your Content Marketing on social media. Here are some tips that will help you get more out of your activities.

1. Give it time

Creating good relationships with any audience takes time. Just because you aren’t getting immediate results doesn’t mean it’s not working. It’s like that overnight sensation that took 5 years to happen, its perseverance, and a good strategy that make it work. Keep your expectations in check. Your social following won’t grow overnight. Don’t expect people to follow you right after creating a profile. You need to invest that time we talked about. And creating a profile isn’t investing time, that will be done in a few minutes. The actual time investment starts right after that. What comes after setting up your profile?

2. Create relevant content designed for your audience

You need to make sure your messages/mentions/promotions/articles are worth sharing. Make your content relevant and worthwhile. If you are good at what you do, you’ll have projects, testimonials, pictures, and tips worth sharing. Write (or get someone to help you write) blog posts that will help your audience learn something. This is how relationships are built.

3. Post regularly and consistently

Being active and posting regularly gives you the best opportunity of being seen. Create your content in advance and have at least 2 weeks of content ready for you to post. Trying to look for new ideas all the time puts you under pressure and will drop the quality of your content. So, plan it out.

4. Add your correct contact details

Social media profiles are great for another reason that also helps your customers. They allow you to add essential information like your name, address, a phone number. Always have a link to your website. You should keep this information consistent across all platforms. This way you will make it easier for search engines and your customers to find you.

5. Use relevant industry hashtags

By using hashtags, it allows you to find an audience. It gives you a wider reach but also a focus in the right markets. People are interested in certain topics and hashtags so help them to find the information or interest easier.

6. Facebook & LinkedIn: Groups

Another reason that Facebook and LinkedIn are an attractive choice for your social media efforts is the Groups you can create. Groups can bring people together who have a common interest.

Here’s an example of some of the groups Assertive Marketing have set up for various industries.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SolarandStorageBuySellSwapbySEIAVic

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14002586/

7. You don’t always need to be selling

When building loyalty and engaging with your customers, don’t try to sell them something immediately. Try to establish friendly relationships. It takes longer but, your patience, and effort, will be worth it. The more you engage, the more people will know about you, and the easier it will be for them to find your website and use your product or service again and again. Here’s a great video that explains how to do this.

8. Facebook: boosting

When you are selling it is a good idea to promote your sales posts (“Buy our product!”). You have a better chance of success if you ‘boost‘ your post just a little bit. Boosting can be done for a specified audience, with the location being one of the filters. This means your post will be specifically promoted in your area.

9. Use high-quality images

At a minimum, use a high-quality logo, or a personal photo if that is more appropriate in your case. Some platforms let you set up a cover image that appears at the top of the profile. Use that space and pick a high-resolution photo or a graphic representation of your business.

10. Measure your social media efforts

If your goal is to increase your followers, it pays keeping track. Most social media offer their own tools to provide insights into which posts work well and which don’t. Focus on the numbers that tell you something about engagement, to see what social networks do indeed help you build your community.

11. Work with your team

Also, remember that your employees are your brand ambassadors on social media. They love your company, enjoy working there, and are most likely to share a lot of your social content. Your employees can create that local snowball effect. Acknowledge this and stay aware of the value of these ‘in-house’ shares.

12. Don’t give up

Content marketing takes a lot of time and effort. Sometimes it looks like it is not doing as well as you want it to. Just remember just because someone is not immediately engaging with your content doesn’t mean that they don’t see it. If it comes up in someone’s feed, they are registering it physiologically. That awareness may just trigger an action when they are ready to need your product. Keep in the mix and it will happen. The importance is that you make your business aware to the market.

Remember! A good story lasts years. Start telling yours!

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Social Media for Medium-Sized Manufacturing Businesses

Social Media for Medium-Sized Manufacturing Businesses

Small-business-Tips-on-Social-media

Making the Most of Social Media for Medium-Sized Manufacturing Businesses

In the digital age, medium-sized manufacturing companies can’t ignore the power of social media. It’s a way to connect with your current and potential clients, and it’s not as complex as it may seem. In this article, we’ll talk about practical tips that can help medium-sized manufacturing businesses get the most out of social media.

Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms

You don’t need to be on every social media platform out there. In fact, it’s better to focus your efforts on just one or two platforms where you can be active and engaged. Quality beats quantity in this case.

Getting to Know Your Audience

To make social media work for your business, you need to know where your customers are online. Instead of guessing, do some research to find out which social media platforms they use the most. Take a look at what your competitors are doing too. If you’re not sure where your audience is, it’s worth spending some time to figure that out.

Pro Tip: No matter where you post, make sure your content is easy to understand and appealing to everyone.

Picking the Right Platform

Choosing the right social media platform is crucial. Think about whether you can use it to show off your products or services with pictures or videos. Also, consider the tone – whether you need to be formal or more relaxed. For manufacturing companies, fun and light-hearted posts might not be suitable. Platforms like LinkedIn, with a professional vibe, could be a better fit to showcase your expertise.

Practical Tips for Medium-Sized Manufacturing Businesses on Social Media

Plan Your Approach:

Having a clear plan is better than diving in without a strategy.

Don’t Worry About Bothering Friends

It’s natural to worry about annoying friends with business-related posts on your personal social media. But here’s the thing: if someone in your personal network says they’ve had enough of your business posts, it’s okay. They probably aren’t your main customers. Your real customers will appreciate your online presence.

To wrap it up

In a nutshell, social media is a valuable tool for medium-sized manufacturing businesses to connect with clients. Keep it simple by choosing a platform that suits your audience, getting to know your customers, and being strategic. And don’t worry about mixing personal and business connections – your true customers will value your online presence.

Remember! Stories are timeless. Start telling yours!

Content Marketing Strategy
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