Social media will fool you into thinking you don't need physical marketing materials and I pity the fool.
I went to a conference a few months ago and there were a group of ladies scanning each other's QR codes via LinkedIn. I thought that was pretty cool. But a few weeks later, when I needed a recommendation for some other business services, the person I contacted was the one person who was still handing out old-fashioned business cards. All of the ladies were memorable, but I "connected" with the woman who handed me her business card.
I talked to Trenisha Marie Webster, business coach and CEO of T-Marie Innovations about her coaching services and whether printed materials were still an effective branding tool to make any business stand out and compete with online marketing.
Trenisha has been in business for the last 4 years and explained to me the most important aspect of her job as a coach is assisting her clients to develop a strategy. "We [business coaches] advise other business owners or entrepreneurs on how to keep their company strong. As a consultant, we have to understand the logic, professional ethics (based on their type of business), marketing, and the analytics about ownership," she said.
Any great coach has an extensive professional network from which they pool and pull resources and information beneficial to their clients. Coaches also have a reputation for bringing value to their relationships and establishing trust. Most importantly, they have extensive experience that translates to helping clients remain competitive, problem-solving, communication, and their ability to provide market research. A coach's track record for success is verifiable from testimonials and BBB (Better Business Bureau) ratings. Trenisha meets that standard of a great coach.
Here are her 7 Reasons Why You Need Printed Marketing Materials for Branding.
1. Customer Preferences - Digital vs. Print
Not all of your customers are going to want digital communication, digital copies of your material, or advertising. You have to get to know your client to distinguish what they want, like, need, dislike, etc. Most of my clients like the printed copy of the work. They love to display the designs, the art, the look. If you have an office, printed copies of brochures, business cards, advertisements, etc. For me, I will print off my content to present and will have a digital copy on my website and social media.
2. Limitless Branding Options and Opportunities
Branding is about standing out in front of your competition. Part of your brand is your logo. That is the first advertisement that a client will see. Does it acknowledge what your business does? Does it have attractive colors? Is it readable? Your brand also consists of you being consistent with your material and your knowledge of your business. Every year, I strive to upgrade my brand to keep it updated. I remove unnoticeable products, create sessions or classes, videos about my company, and more. The opportunities that come with branding is the way you sell your business on social media. Social media can help with branding. It definitely helps with clientele, advertisements, and becoming noticeable.
3. Raising Awareness
As a business owner, you should never depend on social media or your website to bring attention to your business. People still buy newspapers, still look on engagement boards at their local grocery stores, bus stops, banners, flyers. Business owners should incorporate their logo on any publication (eBooks), documents (invoices), scratch pads, pens, folders, car advertisements, and even clothing. Branding consists of promotion. You want to promote, promote, promote. Someone will see it and contact you. Someone will talk about your business, refer your business, and share your business. Keep promoting and your business will gain clientele and grow.
4.Customer Engagement
Customer engagement is similar to awareness. If I see engagement or someone who is attracted to the business but not sure about the business, I interact with them. I promote my company to them and all of the benefits I have to offer to assist them. I’m always following up with those I have previously spoken to about business. This ensures the clients that I am very serious about helping you build your business and ready to create your blueprint. On social media, I work the same.
5. Build Trust
There are two ways I build trust to clients. 1) My trust, not only comes from digital content, but it also comes from my printed content. Yes, I have a website, but not all potential clients trust the internet. Showing that you are a legit business by giving them business cards or even showing them your portfolio on what you have done for other clients, builds that trust to want to work with you.
The second way is communication. I do not want to explain to my client how I conduct my business. I want to show them what I can do and how to do it. Presentation is the key to gaining a client. The way you speak to your client and present your business gives them comfort and the ability to put trust in you to birth their business.
6. Become Memorable
First impressions will make or break you. You will gain a client or lose a potential client. Your first impression is your attire, personality, presentation, and communication. Dress to impress, have all of your business marketing tools, present with your portfolio, and communicate with a smile. There is always one who will always remember your smile, your upbeat toned voice, the skills you have presented and will contact you for your services.
7. Reach Specialized Markets for Niche Brands
Most international markets are met through the web. Your local markets can be met through the web or with printed material. Your business card will help with defining your market. On your website, attach an SEO (search engine optimization) which analyzes your target market. It shows you the age group, gender, race, etc on who is attracted to your business and what has been sold.
Your niche is what products and/or services appeal or gain interest to groups. If you’re starting a business, don’t start it for the money. Start your business for your passion. Passion will help you continue to excel in your business. Doing it for money will hurt your business. Educate yourself on your services and products, update products, advance in skills as to what you are capable of doing, and give more than you say.
The next time you are at a conference, a mixer, or an event consider how you want to use these tips to make your brand recognizable with printed marketing materials.
For more expert coaching advice, book your consultation with T-Marie Innovations.
Office – (515)257-6443
E-mail – tmarieinnovations@gmail.com
Website – www.tmarieinnovations.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tmarieinnovations/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trenishamarie/
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