Small Biz in A Digital Age: Advertising
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Monday, January 12, 2015
GoLocalWorcester Business Team
The world of business is moving faster -- hyper fast. Small businesses face the challenge of trying to keep up and innovate their business to create an advantage.
This week, GoLocal brings you a guide to understanding and managing advertising solutions to help small brands get the exposure they need to get ahead.
Advertising
Small businesses can spend anywhere from 1 - 10 percent of their gross income on advertising according to The U.S. Small Business Association. How much of this income gets spent and how effective it can be to your business can take some trial and error.
The revenue to be gained from advertising is entirely based on the time, effort, and message that a small business can give to a marketing campaign. But, how can you choose the solution that's right for you?
Advertising solutions can only work for your when it can reach your target market, so it's best to do some digging and figure out how customers hear about your business and what interests them.
Selecting Your Vehicle
In order to decide on what marketing vehicle is right for you (i.e.. radio, television, web) figure out how and where your customers have found out about your business.
"You don’t have to think big when it comes to your marketing efforts," says Susan Solovic of Constant Contact. "Think locally. What’s going on in your community? Sponsor a Little League team or a 5k charity walk/run.
Print bookmarks and leave them at the local library. Get to know your ideal customer and think about how and where they spend their time. Then search for opportunities to get in front of your customer with your marketing message."
Do they often listen to a morning talk show? Are they active on social media? Simple questions like these will help you to figure out the best way to get in touch with potential clients.
Social Media
As an advertiser, it's important not to underestimate the power of social media. "70 percent of U.S. households now use the Internet when shopping locally for products and services," says LocalVox. But a resounding 72% of marketers do not understand how to incorporate it into an effective tool for marketing.
Take into account all the tools you do have at your disposal; advertising is an ongoing process, and there are a variety of ways to get in front of your customers.
Related Slideshow: 20 Cool Small Businesses in Central Massachusetts
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I Know A Guy
1 Kelly Sq., Worcester, MA
New comer I Know A Guy Event Services, LLC began offering its event planning expertise in 2013 and continues to offer banquet, bartending, ad even security services for your next event.
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Wild Orchid Baby
490 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA
Wild Orchard Baby is a one-stop shop for homeopathic teething remedies, all natural cleaning products, and cloth diapers for baby. Wild Orchid Baby also offers services and classes for mommies to be.
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Twine Floral
Twine Floral Design is the brainchild of local Nicole Gringas who is a recent graduate of the Rittners School of Floral Design. Check out her designs here.
Photo: Twine Floral
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Compass Tavern
90 Harding St., Worcester, MA
The Compass Tavern is a new to Worcester but still has that neighborhood feel, offering American and New England cuisine from their scratch kitchen. Compass has even attracted politicians like Charlie Baker in the last few weeks.
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WooBerry
141 Highland St., Worcester, MA
WooBerry is Worcester's hot spot for all-natural, kosher, gluten free frozen yogurt with toppings to boot! WooBerry was recently voted best frozen yogurt by Worcester Magazine.
Photo: WooBerry
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Ernie's Car Wash
215 Grove St., Worcester, MA
Ernie's Car Wash is an eco-friendly car wash that uses less water and prevents pollution with their bio-degradable detergents.
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Pepper's Catering
43 Hudson St., Northborough, MA
Pepper's Fine Catering is a full-service caterer that offers everything from complimentary tastings of their delicious food to the linens on your table.
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Bhadon Gifts
1075 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA
Bhadon Gifts has been in business since 1977 and offers artisanal pottery and glass wares among goods fro your home or that special someone. Bhadon was recently named "Best Gift Shop" by Worcester Magazine.
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Hidden Jewel
72 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA
Hidden Jewel is known for variety - they showcase a new designer, artisan or discovery on their in-store runway each month!
Photo: Hidden Jewel
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Grime
356 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA
Grime is a unique new and used clothing store that allows you to buy, trade or sell your gently used clothes. The shop has recently been named Worcester's "Best Thrift Shop".
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H&H Dance Academy
175 W Main St., Millbury, MA
H&H Dance Academy promotes self-esteem and confidence through their dance programs for children. They also offer special events and birthday parties for the tiny dancer in your family.
Photo: H&H Dance Academy
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Lucky Dog Music Hall
89 Green St, Worcester, MA
Lucky Dog Music Hall has a long, rich history of hosting world-class acts like the Rolling Stones, The Who, Alice Cooper and many more. Despite recent rumors Lucky Dog looks like it will be around to host many more acts to come.
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Crompton Collective
138 Green St., Worcester, MA
Crompton Collective is a curated marketplace for vintage, and antique wares and even hosts a local farmer's market.
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Jelly's Discs
246 Park Ave., Worcester, MA
Since 2001, Jelly's Discs has been Worcester's answer to finding old, new and used media. From VHS tapes and vinyl records, to books and video games, Jelly's has it all.
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New England Backpacker
6 E. Mountain St., Worcester, MA
New England Backpacker has been in the business of the outdoors for over 36 years and counting. The shop is the perfect place to get information on the latest camping gear and even tips on where to kayak to out on the Charles River.
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Beechwood Hotel
363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA
Beechwood Hotel has received rave reviews regarding its brunch and hospitality. If you happen to be planning your next function or just need a weekend getaway look no further than Beechwood Hotel.
Photo: Beechwood Hotel
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Alexis Grace
7 Harrison St., Worcester, MA
Alexis Grace Consignment calls a restored factory building home and carries smart, designer fashions that will keep you in style.
Photo: Alexis Grace Consignment
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Belmont Vegetarian Restaurant
157 Belmont St., Worcester, MA
Jamaican American cuisine will never be the same after you have dined at Belmont Vegetarian Restaurant. Trust us, you will not leave hungry!
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126 Post Salon & Spa
126 June St., Worcester, MA
126 Post Salon and Spa bills itself as full-service which includes providing customers with facials, massages and even teeth whitening treatments.
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