Marketing is more than promotion—it’s about understanding your audience, delivering value, and guiding them through a journey. Here are seven essential tips, inspired by the BGH Startup Programme, to help you build a strong foundation.
- Define Your Products or Services Clearly
Before marketing anything, be crystal clear on what you’re offering. Do you have a range of products or services? Can you describe each one in a way that highlights its benefits? This clarity is essential for communicating value to your audience.
- Know Your Ideal Customer
Are your customers individuals or businesses? Where are they located? What are their lifestyles, age groups, and buying behaviours? The more you know, the better you can tailor your messaging and outreach.
- Create a Strong Value Proposition
What problem are you solving for your customer? Which needs are you satisfying? Your value proposition should clearly explain why someone should choose your product or service over others.
- Use the AIDA Model to Guide Your Strategy
AIDA stands for Awareness, Interest, Decision, and Action. Ask yourself:
- How will people know you exist?
- How will they learn more about your offer?
- What helps them decide to buy?
- What supports them in making the purchase?
- Choose the Right Marketing Channels
From websites and social media to blogs, newsletters, and even vehicle wraps—select the channels that best reach your audience. Consider what your competitors are using and what works best for your industry.
- Support the Customer Journey
Think beyond the sale. How can customers try your product before buying? How will they receive it? What support will you offer post-purchase to encourage repeat business and referrals?
- Reflect, Plan, and Take Action
Marketing is an ongoing process. Reflect on what you’ve learned, make a plan, and take action. Don’t move forward until your product, value proposition, and customer profile are clearly defined.
Lesley Mckie, Berkshire Growth Hub Adviser
Our fully-funded Start-up Programme is delivered every month for new and potential businesses in Berkshire. If you, or anyone you know, is thinking about setting up a business, or has recently set up a business, then do book our two webinar sessions and a follow up 1:1 meeting with Lesley or one of other Business Advisers.
