Small businesses all over the country are making a big impact. Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.
During Small Business Week, remember that it’s perfectly fine if your brand doesn’t resonate with everyone. Your goal in showcasing your brand is to show your personality and values. That way, your brand will attract the right customers for your business.
Craft Your Image
For small businesses, an attractive, and clutter-free website can be one of the most important focuses in helping build brand trust with visitors and clients. Maybe you already have a logo, a website, business cards, signage and perhaps even a storefront – but your brand is so much more than the “look” of your business. (Don’t forget to register or trademark your logo too.)
While all these efforts can help you project a carefully crafted image to your customers, successful branding runs a lot deeper.
Communicate your value
Make sure your brand elements reflect your company and its value proposition. Not to be mistaken with price, value encompasses what you do, what business problem you solve, how your business is different and how you make your customer’s life different after doing business with you.
Personally share fresh content
Frequently posting interesting and relevant content on your website plays a major role in getting indexed by search engines. Avoiding auto-posting blog articles and, instead, share your articles on social media in a more personal way. After all, the purpose of social media is to be “social”.
Which platforms are people using the most? According to a Pew Research Center survey, a majority of Americans use Facebook and YouTube, but young adults are especially heavy users of Snapchat and Instagram.
YouTube is the new TV
Did you know that YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world? Using YouTube correctly for your video marketing can be a strategic tool to target and promote your business. (see “How to use YouTube Correctly“)
- Increase interest in your mission and staff with a video about your company and staff.
- Create teaser videos for your upcoming events, and follow-up with event coverage videos.
- Use videos for new product announcements, How-To’s, new product releases, and testimonials.
Getting involved in your community
What better way to get exposure for your brand than giving back and getting involved in the community. Sponsor a local event, or participate in conferences, farmer’s markets, or cultural events – all of these can help build community and extend the trust you’ve earned for your brand.
Love a local spot? How to make it known.
To celebrate #SmallBusinessWeek, Google asked YouTube Creators to give a special shout out to their favorite small businesses. Join us in giving #SmallThanks to the local spots that make a difference in your community by leaving a review on their Google listing!
We celebrate small businesses every day, but want to give a special thanks to all of the entrepreneurs and small business owners in our Florida communities on this #SmallBusinessWeek.
Enjoy your Small Business Week!
Stacy Layman
Director, Marketing and Creative Services
Jacksonville, Florida