DesignGoodNow_Mar2015

Photo by Pearl

It’s one thing to launch an idea / start a business selling your services, but the world of selling product – any product – is a whole new ballgame. Competition, especially among designers and design-focused makers, is at an all-time high.

If you’re just starting out and are feeling nervous, you shouldn’t be – there are plenty of creative ways you can get the word out about your business and product without draining your resources.

Whether you’re looking to take the first step in marketing your product-based business or are working to expand your existing customer base, these 6 steps will guide you along the way:

01 | GET YOUR BRANDING DOWN
If you’re a new business, first things first: You need to accurately portray your brand online. This step is about bringing your brand to the digital world via the use of cohesive visuals and messaging. When done correctly, your digital brand should be a flawless extension of the rest of your brand. This means that on your site, your blog, and across all social media channels you need a clear, consistent message that will leave any potential customers or followers with no questions. Don’t do anything else until you’ve done this step.

02 | ENGAGE
Having trouble finding your customers, connecting with your audience or building a following? Rather than letting them come to you, consider finding them. Read blogs and follow communities where you’d expect to find your customers and engage in genuine conversations. You don’t want to come off as over-promotional (no one likes that), but it doesn’t hurt to court your audience a little.

03 | CONNECT WITH INFLUENCERS
Throw away any yucky misconceptions you have about blogger partnerships. Create genuine relationships with bloggers and other influencers who believe in your product and will share your story. You’ll be building buzz for your product and fostering community.

04 | CUSTOMIZE YOUR SERVICES
We’re in the age of personalization and customized experiences, and there’s no doubt that unique services that speak to your customers’ needs will make you stand out. For product-based businesses, opportunities abound in the world of customization. Think about how your customers shop, and what their end goal is when they come to you looking to buy. Start by brainstorming about curated packages you could create with your products, and other ways you could create customized experiences around product you already have. Take those ideas and run with them – there’s no limit to the number of ways in which you can customize your product offering.

05 | PARTNER WITH OTHERS
Looking for ideas? Consider contacting a like-minded business for a creative marketing brainstorming session. Think about each other’s brand goals, and how you can help each other to accomplish them. The best ideas often come through collaboration, so don’t be afraid to ask.

06 | KEEP LEARNING
When it comes to marketing, there aren’t very many rules. This is a field that evolves regularly, so think creatively and educate yourself daily. Read your favorite influencers’ blogs, sign up for a community that’s focused on marketing, read books on creative communication and keep up with industry trends. Our favorite is Blake Mycoskie’s “Start Something That Matters”, but there are over 70 other recommendations on the DesignGood Good Books page.

Looking for more creative marketing ideas? At DesignGood Studio, we love to help brands accomplish their goals by thinking creatively. In fact, it’s what we do best. Find more here.

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From the Editor
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