20 Marketing Tips for SMEs

Marketing can seem overwhelming, especially with the vast array of tasks it entails social media, SEO, customer engagement, and more. But, like any good experiment, success comes from testing, tracking, and adapting.

With 30 years of experience in communications, I’ve gained insights into marketing, public relations, and social media that can help you – a passionate business owner looking to succeed in marketing but unsure where to start. Here are 20 actionable marketing tips you can implement right now:

Social Media Strategies

1. Engage Authentically: Go beyond liking comments—engage with customers by responding and interacting with their content. Build genuine relationships.

2. Plan Ahead: Create and schedule a month’s worth of social media content. Batch your tasks—writing, photos, and scheduling—to stay ahead.

3. Build Vendor Relationships: Tag vendors in posts and maintain strong relationships. This can lead to mutually beneficial promotions.

4. Incorporate Video: Don’t shy away from video content. Start simple and gradually build your confidence.

5. Leverage Stories: Use Instagram and Facebook Stories to engage audiences dynamically and personally.

6. Go Live: Share your expertise through live sessions. This adds a personal touch and builds trust.

7. Repurpose Content: Adapt your content across platforms to maximise reach. Reuse and recycle posts for different audiences.

8. Network in Groups: Join WhatsApp, Facebook and LinkedIn groups relevant to your business. Contribute without being spammy to build authority and attract leads.

Website, SEO, and Blogging

9. Start a Blog: Regular blogging boosts SEO and drives traffic. Use plugins like Yoast SEO to optimise your content.

10. Feature Reviews: Showcase customer reviews and photos to build credibility and influence purchase decisions.

11.Prioritise Product Photos: Encourage customers to share product photos and feature them on your website to increase engagement.

Email Marketing/WhatsApp/SMSING

12. Exclusive Promotions: Offer special discounts to email/mobile subscribers. Value your email/mobile subscriber list as a critical business asset.

13. Build Your Email/Mobile Subscriber List: Constantly collect email addresses to grow your audience. Nurture this list with valuable content.

Local Marketing

14. Host Events: Organise in-store events to create a welcoming environment. Promote these events to drive traffic and engagement.

15. Sponsor Local Events: Align with events that resonate with your brand values. Sponsorships increase visibility and community involvement.

16. Donate to Auctions: If sponsorships are out of budget, consider donating items to local events. It’s a cost-effective way to get noticed

17. Attend Networking Events: Participate in local networking opportunities to build relationships and increase word-of-mouth referrals.

Public Relations and Media

18. Seek Media Opportunities: Introduce yourself to local news outlets and look for opportunities to feature your business.

19. Contribute Articles: Write for large media outlets. Position yourself as an expert in your field to gain broader exposure.

20. Offer Expertise: Volunteer to speak at events, appear on podcasts, or join webinars relevant to your industry.

Bonus Tips

1. Brainstorm Continuously: Keep a running list of ideas to stay creative and innovative.

2. Read Widely: Engage with recommended business books to keep learning and growing.

3. Thank Your Customers: Show appreciation with personalised thank-you notes or automated emails.

These tips are designed to help you navigate the complexities of marketing with confidence. Implement what works for you, and don’t be afraid to test and iterate. Remember, the key to successful marketing is consistency, creativity, and genuine engagement.

Jinesh Hegde is a seasoned business consultant with 30 years of expertise in transforming early-stage companies, mature businesses, and startups for profitable growth. His thought leadership has influenced both SMEs and large enterprises. In 2018, he was named CEO of the Year at Sri Lanka Best Employer Brand Awards for driving impactful growth strategies. Jinesh holds executive education credentials from London Business School, INSEAD, IIM Calcutta, and ISB Hyderabad. Earlier in his career, he led the turnaround and growth of several high-profile businesses, cementing his reputation as a results-driven leader.