7 marketing facts you can’t ignore
Marketing your business as a coach, consultant or service provider can feel overwhelming - there’s so much advice out there! But what if none of it feels right for you? You might have tried different approaches, strategies or trends, but nothing quite works. I know the thought of being seen as “salesy” can be a huge barrier.
The truth is that you don’t have to do marketing like everyone else. There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” approach - what works for someone else might not work for you. And this makes marketing exciting! You can create your own path and forge your own way of doing things. A way that feels natural, aligned with who you are and enjoyable.
But if you want to consistently attract the right people and build a sustainable business, there are 7 simple marketing facts you can’t ignore.
Fact 1: You have to be seen & heard
If people don’t know who you are, they can’t work with you.
However you feel about marketing, if you want to build a sustainable business then being visible is a non-negotiable. You can have the best offer in the world, but if people don’t know who you are and what you stand for, they won’t know how you can help them.
So you need to regularly position yourself in front of the right people. Whether that’s through social media, networking, email marketing, blogging, collaborations, events or podcasts (usually a combination) - choose platforms and formats that suit your unique style, personality and business.
That doesn’t mean you have to be everywhere - but it does mean you have to be somewhere (where your ideal clients are).
You might like to read How to play to your marketing strengths and How to shine without shouting - an introverts guide to authentic marketing.
Fact 2: You have to create a connection
People need a reason to stop & pay attention.
Your audience is bombarded with content every day, so what is going to make them sit up and pay attention to you?
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it - you need to build an emotional connection - something that sparks curiosity and makes people want to know more.
Your brand, your voice, your message - it all needs to resonate with your audience. Demonstrate how well you understand the challenges they are facing, how they are feeling and where they want to be instead.
You might like to read Embracing authenticity in marketing and Great marketing lies in balancing authority & empathy.
Fact 3: You have to build relationships
Most people won’t invest straight away - building trust takes time.
Your ideal client is unlikely to “marry you on the first date” - they need to get to know, like and trust you first. And in any relationship, building trust takes time.
You have to be authentic and genuine in your interactions, share valuable information, build rapport and invite 2-way engagement.
It’s about consistently nurturing those relationships in a way that feels good for you.
You might like to read Mapping the client journey and 3 essential layers of marketing to grow your business.
Fact 4: You have to offer something people actually need
Your offer has to solve a problem, fill a gap or meet a real need or desire
It’s easy to fall into the trap of creating offers we think our clients will love, but does your ideal client actually need it?
The best offers solve a real problem, meet a need/desire or help someone move forward in a meaningful way. And people buy for different reasons - some want ease, some want results, some want confidence.
Does your offer, programme or service do this? Have you done your research, asked your audience for feedback and tested your approach? When it speaks to a real need, selling feels more natural.
Fact 5: You have to promote & sell
Clients won’t magically appear! If you don’t talk about your offers & services, no one will know they exist.
“Selling” doesn’t have to be a dirty word, or feel pushy or awkward. It’s simply the way you invite people to work with you. If you know your offer can help people, why keep it a secret?
And if you can’t talk confidently about your offers and services, how can you expect potential clients to have confidence in them (and you)?
Shift the focus from you to the transformation you provide and how you help your clients make positive changes in their lives. Share feedback, testimonials and behind-the-scenes glimpses into how you make a difference.
Fact 6: You have to deliver on your promise
Happy clients are your greatest marketing tool.
Marketing doesn’t stop when someone buys from you. The real magic happens when you deliver an incredible experience that leaves your clients feeling seen, heard, supported and happy they chose you. This builds long-term trust, loyalty and generates referrals and recommendations.
Think about the experience you are creating for people from the moment they step foot into your world and beyond and elevate it.
Fact 7: You have to be consistent
Success comes from being consistent & building momentum, not random bursts of effort.
Being consistent in your marketing keeps you front of mind, builds trust with your audience and demonstrates your reliability and professionalism.
You don’t have to post every day or be in constant “hustle” mode, but you do need to be consistent. Try to create a simple schedule for your marketing activities that you can stick to each week/month, batch create content so it's not all last minute and choose 2-3 places you enjoy promoting your business.
Focus on your marketing being consistent, not constant.
The exciting thing about marketing your own business is that you get to choose what you do, how and when. You can decide what feels good, what activities align with your strengths and values and where you want to spend your time.
You can’t ignore these 7 marketing facts, but how you approach them is entirely up to you!
If you’d like to talk about building a simple marketing strategy around your unique style, personality, approach and business then follow me for more guidance or book in for a complimentary chat about your business.
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