5 Marketing and PR Truths Every Small Business Owner Should Know

As a small business owner, you know that marketing and public relations (PR) are critical to building a strong brand and attracting new customers. However, many small business owners have misconceptions about what it takes to see success in these areas. In this post, we'll discuss 5 marketing and PR truths every small business owner should know.

ROI takes time

One of the biggest misconceptions among small business owners is that marketing efforts should yield immediate results. The truth is, it takes time to see a return on investment (ROI). According to a survey by HubSpot, it can take up to 6 months to start seeing results from inbound marketing efforts like social media and blogging. Paid advertising campaigns can yield results faster, but it still takes time to optimize campaigns and see a positive ROI.

The key is to be patient and consistent with your marketing efforts. Don't give up after a few weeks or months of minimal results. Remember, success is a marathon, not a sprint. Set realistic expectations for your marketing efforts and focus on creating valuable content that resonates with your target audience over time.

Viral success is rare

Many small business owners hope that their marketing campaigns will go viral and bring in a flood of new customers. While viral success is possible, it is rare. According to a study by Fractl, only 0.1% of branded content goes viral.

That's not to say that creating shareable content isn't worthwhile. In fact, creating content that resonates with your target audience and is shareable can be a powerful way to build your brand and attract new customers. However, small business owners should set realistic expectations and focus on creating valuable content that resonates with their target audience, rather than trying to create the next viral sensation.

Consistency is key

One of the most important factors in successful marketing and PR is consistency. According to a survey by Coschedule, businesses that publish blog posts consistently receive 3.5 times more traffic than those that don't.

Consistency is also important in social media marketing, email marketing, and other forms of content creation. Small business owners should aim to create a consistent schedule for their marketing efforts to see the best results. For example, you might aim to post on social media three times per week or send out a monthly newsletter to your email list.

SEO is critical

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a critical component of any marketing campaign. According to a study by Backlinko, the top-ranking pages on Google have an average of 1,447 backlinks and a domain authority of 90.9.

While small business owners might not be able to achieve those exact numbers, they should focus on creating high-quality content and building links to their websites to improve their search engine rankings. This might involve creating blog content, reaching out to other websites to request backlinks, and optimizing your website's technical SEO.

PR is more than just press releases

Public relations (PR) is often thought of as just sending out press releases, but it's much more than that. PR encompasses everything from crisis management to influencer partnerships to community engagement.

According to a survey by the Public Relations Society of America, 61% of PR professionals said that social media was the most important skill for the future of the industry. Small business owners should understand that PR is a multifaceted discipline and consider working with a PR professional to help them navigate the various aspects of it.

It is crucial to recognize that marketing and PR are long-term investments that require patience and persistence. By understanding these 5 marketing and PR truths, you can take a strategic approach to your marketing efforts and set realistic expectations for your ROI.

Remember, success is not always immediate, but it is achievable with patience and consistency. Focus on creating valuable content that resonates with your target audience, optimize your website for search engines, and consider working with a PR professional to navigate the multifaceted aspects of public relations. With these insights, you can build a strong brand and attract new customers over time. Keep in mind that marketing and PR are ongoing efforts that require constant attention and refinement. By staying informed and adapting to changes in the industry, you can stay ahead of the competition and achieve long-term success.

Are you ready to take your marketing and PR efforts to the next level? Remember, success takes time and a strategic approach. If you need help navigating the complexities of marketing and PR, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you build a strong brand and attract new customers over time. Don't wait, take action now and start achieving your marketing and PR goals!