Trev

Apple

Start local, gain feedback and iterate. Everyone loves a hometown story.

Make a list of all the newspaper publications in your area. Send emails to editors to request that your story be mentioned. Keep emailing for responses. You might need to reach out to 20-30 editors before you get one response.

Make it easier by giving them actual content and images upfront. Tell your hometown story. Thousands of people who identify with your story will check you out afterwards. Have a link to your website and bio written in.

Get to the point, start the dialogue, get involved with the editors. The better the story you create, the greater your chances of converting readers to buyers. To track newspaper success, offer a unique promo code or gift within the article if someone mentions the newspaper to you.

Once again, this is free to start reaching out to newspapers. Instead of advertising, you are creating content for them – that is a great way to market your business cost-effectively and organically.

Apple

Time to tell your friends what you’ve been working on! Your best fans are those closest to you.

Tell your friends and family that you have a business. Ask for their support with a specific call-to-action. You should have a completed Facebook page that you can share by text or email.

Get easy reach on Facebook by asking your friends to Like your page. Do this with new friends every week to gain new fans. Engage with anyone who Likes your page. See if they’ll buy your product. They gave you permission to contact them. Start the dialogue. No Facebook Ads necessary to do this.

Check all of your social networks for email addresses – LinkedIn especially. Add all emails into a mailing list using a platform like MailChimp for your email marketing campaign.

Share your product or shop photos on Instagram with your friends and post content for them consistently. Like, comment and follow potential customer profiles to start a social dialogue and develop a new visual marketing channel. It only takes 30 minutes per day to build your presence on Instagram or any social network. If you hate it, train a young person to do it.

Host a “Friends & Family” party. Dial up your closest friends for an exclusive event at your shop next week (yes, next week or never). Get a solid commitment from 10 friends or more and make it fun.

Apple

Now that you’ve launched your business with our 21-minute plan, it’s time to amp it up. Learn the tips to grow and market your business here. Welcome to the “Amp It” marketing podcast series.