New To Inbound? 5 Simple Inbound Marketing Tactics To Get You Started

by Josette Millar

If you’re new to the world of self-promotion, inbound marketing tactics can seem a bit scary. Don’t worry! You’re not the first person to take on this journey, and you won’t be the last. We’ve made note of some of the simple things you can do to get your strategies rolling.

• Use Your Words. If you have a website, you’ve already created content that can be used to further your cause. Create blogs around the information that you’re already presenting. There are plenty of third-party platforms full of writers that will be happy to help you achieve your blogging mission. Each piece of inventory, advice, or information that owns a section on your website can be used to produce a series of business blogs. The wheel has already been created; a little creativity and ingenuity can make it turn for your business.
• Socialize. Inbound marketing tactics are based on the idea that you’re creating channels that bring your customers to you. When you create “If you build it, they will come” inbound marketing tactics correctly, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know your audience, and you’ll have just as many chances to teach them more about your business. When it comes to social media, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket, but do make sure that you’re running on the biggest playing fields, particularly as you’re getting started. Facebook and Twitter have been groundbreaking sites that provide a social interface for businesses and consumers. Post links to your blogs here, among other news and tidbits, and be sure to interact with your consumers as they share their thoughts on your social sites. This helps build relationships that, in turn, create loyalty.
• Be Courteous. Of course you want to tout about your amazingness; that’s only natural. That said, keep in mind that no matter how fantastic your business is, people will get really tired of hearing you scream on the megaphone about your awesomeness every time they tune in. Rather than constantly boasting about your own brilliance, give credit where credit is due. Talk about small businesses in your professional community with whom you work, and make sure to throw a little bit of credit their way when the opportunity presents itself. You might be surprised to see how evenly spread that gratitude becomes when they see that you gave them a nod! Find like-minded businesses online, and share them with your own viewers. Hit the ‘Like’ button when it’s appropriate and re-tweet posts from others that are relevant to your own mission.
• Give Direction. You’ve gotten attention from your audience, and that’s awesome! But don’t forget that even the best of blog posts can go nowhere if they don’t include a call-to-action that directs the audience toward next steps. It doesn’t matter what you’ve posted, there’s a call-to-action that should come from the post. If you’ve talked about your inventory, give a suggestion and link where your viewers can purchase your items. If you’ve posted an awesome blog, welcome your readers to share their thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section. If you want them to call you, invite them to contact you for further information.
• Be Picture-Perfect. A picture says a thousand words, so make use of your cyberspace by including photos that will make your audience want to indulge in all that your business has to offer. Whether you’re showcasing your staff or showing off your amazing stuff, pictures can take inbound marketing tactics to the next level.

We’d love to hear your inbound marketing tactics! Share them with us at our Sheffield Media Group Facebook page!