Why your marketing strategy needs a makeover (Before it’s too late)

Hello everyone!

Happy Wednesday!

Raise your hand if you’ve ever avoided making eye contact with a harsh reality…

We as founders have all been there and I know it gets difficult to admit that something is not working anymore.?

Let’s get real! When was the last time you analyzed your marketing strategy? Look at it, lurking over it, and ask yourself some tough questions about it.

As founders, we always have a tough time accepting a downfall when we have poured our heart into something so much. But remember you always need to evolve your strategies when the trend and the market change. I know that’s the sad truth about it.

But here’s one more truth that I want to deliver. If your B2B marketing engine is not giving you a smooth ride and isn’t checking all the boxes the harsh reality needs a change. Marketing is something that cannot have a process forever but having someone who is always on the go with the new changing trends is a +1 for you.?

In the hush bush of building a startup & getting involved in all the areas marketing takes a backseat. As founders, we’re so focused on building the product, managing the team, and chasing all those important figures that we forget to look at the very important thing that might make or break our product:?

MARKETING!!

But you know what? No matter how amazing your product or service is, if you can’t get in front of the right audience, you’re literally fighting a losing battle.

Don't worry though, I’m here to help you out :)?

I get what you must be thinking right now, “But Prem, my marketing plan is excellent! We’re doing everything, such as social media, content marketing & email campaigns”.

Amazingly, you are covering all the essential parts of B2B marketing. But are you using them effectively? Are you targeting the right audience & niche? Are you telling a story that resonates with the customer's pain points and desires?

Every so often, we fall into just checking all the boxes that need to be done rather than developing a unified, marketing approach. As startups, we post on social media just because everyone else is doing it, but have we ever thought about whether or not it is effective? We send updates on emails to customers and blast people with our emails just because the “experts” say we should, but are you happy with the results?

Here’s the truth: The marketing strategy that experts speak about rarely performs long-term. Understand every startup is differently built. So let me ask you some questions:?

• What distinguishes your startup?
• What separated you from the competition?

Once you have answers to these questions. This is the direction your marketing strategy should be looked at! Once this is figured out. The next set of questions is with the help of creating a framework

• Make a persona of your ideal customer, who are they?
• What are their pain points and what bothers them?
• What are their goals?

Is this done? Ok, now you must be thinking, “But I am a founder, not a marketing expert! How am I supposed to develop a killer marketing strategy?

True and I agree with you on this, but that is where the real magic comes in. As a founder, you have a thorough understanding of your product, customers & industry that no one could ever match. All you need to do is tap into the knowledge and let it direct your marketing efforts.

Let me help you out now to get you started:

• Tell a Story:?

Talk about your product or service stories, not features and specifications. Create a brand narrative that tackles your potential customers' challenges, desires and goals. Share why you started building this product or service, mission and vision in a way that speaks at a higher level.

• Utilize UGC:?

Your consumers are your stronger voice. Encourage your consumers to share their experiences, achievements, and why they love your product or service (testimonials) on social media, review sites and through your social media channels. User-generated content is the best way to gain trust and this can bring you a lot of new customers too!

• Concentrate on the worth of your product or service, Not features:

Instead of detailing your product or service features, emphasize how much value it brings to the client. Ask yourself these questions: How does it address their issues? How will it save time and make their life better? Address these pain points and objectives.

• Video is the King:?

In today’s fast-paced world, where people want a tutorial or let’s say a video that shows them how a certain product or service works is the best bet that you can take. Create interesting video content that highlights your product or service & your brand personality.?

• Try and Test:

Marketing is a constantly shifting landscape. What works today may not work tomorrow. Accept and have an attitude to explore, do research and try new things. Try various strategies, track your performance and modify them effectively

Now as a startup founder, I understand what some of you are thinking: “Well I’m short on resources! I can’t take the time out to completely change the marketing plan now”.

I understand your struggle behind it and trust me your concern is valid. However, not modifying your marketing strategy might be something you should not afford!

Imagine: If your marketing efforts do not give you the desired results, you are just wasting your time and money. You are just putting your efforts into a place that isn’t functioning for you, which will potentially jeopardize your firm.

On the other hand, you’re going to master yourself in marketing if you take the time to truly research your target & niche market, develop an engaging story, and apply a data-driven approach. By just doing the bare minimum and putting in the effort you will be able to drive in customers, cultivate brand awareness & loyalty and eventually promote long-term success.

Therefore, let me ask you a question:?

Is it more crucial to stick with a failing marketing strategy or take a chance and spend your time on one that can transform your startup?

Comment down below????

And it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or when you don’t know where to start from!

This is the purpose of connecting with like-minded founders, sharing tips & tricks, speaking with potential customers and picking up tips from those who have been in your shoes. We as founders always have some similar situations that we deal with and networking can get you answers to a lot of your questions :)?

Advice for the day: The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing - Tom Fishburne

I hope these tips can give you a boost of motivation to understand marketing & redevelop your strategies?

See you in the next one!

Prem Saini