Sales & Marketing Authority, Bestselling Author & Business Motivational Speaker

A while back we talked about how you should be using Twitter for marketing purposes but I wanted to give those of you who weren’t already using the service a chance to check it out. In short, Twitter is a social networking tool similar to the instant message programs we have been so used to for years. The only difference is that you’re limited by what you can say in 140 characters or less.

The concept is known as microblogging, though it seems as though quite a few people are taking advantage of the concept and instead of limiting themselves simply make numerous posts one after the other. But I digress.

There are a number of ways you can use Twitter during your marketing campaigns. Today I’d like to share 5.

1. Twitter provides marketers with a way to build up a “fan base.” Not everyone who is interested in what you do or sell will make a purchase upfront but they may in the future and they’re likely to recommend you to their friends.
2. Using Twitter is a great way to build a buzz surrounding a new product or service you plan to launch. You can leak small bits of interesting information to the public before the actual release date and your niche target group will have the information they need in advance.
3. Twitter gives you another tool you can use to build your company’s brand.
4. If your company already has a formal blog Twitter will give you the tools you need to further extend its reach. You can post links to your blog updates on Twitter as well.
5. Twitter followers may appreciate special deals or discounts. You can use the fan base you’ve created to offer loyalty discounts not found elsewhere – thus increasing your sales while keeping your fans happy.

These are, of course, only a sampling of the things you can do with Twitter. They key is to ensure you are networking with people who are really interested in what you have to offer – not just people who want to build up their own “friend lists” for their own benefit. More on how to do that later!

Sean

Sales Expert - Marketing Consultant – Motivational Speaker

When it comes to marketing your product you’ll find you have a number of different things to keep in mind. The art of marketing can be complex and, at times, overwhelming but if you make a strong plan before you get started you’ll find everything to be a bit easier to handle.

In order to do so you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the 6 P’s of marketing. If you follow this checklist and formulate a response to each item on the list you’ll be well on your way to developing a very strong marketing plan.

So what are the 6 P’s?

• Product – Identify exactly what product you are focusing on during this campaign.
• Price – Identify your price and determine whether or not it is competitive.
• Promotion – What forms of promotion will you use to spread the word about this product? Will you use the internet, print ads, word of mouth, radio, television?
• Place – Where will you target the sale of your product? What geographic area will you be in when you manufacture the product and in what geographic area will you want to sell your product?
• Processes – You’ll need to make sure you have defined processes in place for manufacturing, marketing, sales, and sales fulfillment. Each part of the process should be planned before you launch your campaign.
• And the final P is People. Who is going to be involved? What people will you employ? What are their roles etc

Focus on the 6 P’s and you’ll end up with a stellar marketing plan. The answers to these questions will not only help you identify who you are selling to but what your other unique selling points are as well. Good luck!

What am I talking about when I ask about your “unique selling points?”

If you have to ask yourself that question than you have some serious work to do before you can go out and begin selling your products or services. A product without a unique selling point is – well – just another face in a sea of products.

A unique selling point, also sometimes referred to simply as a USP or unique sales proposition, is something that sets your product apart from the crowd. It makes your product special. It makes your product seem better than the ones put out by your competitors.

Here are some examples of unique selling points:

• Your product is of the same quality but has a significantly lower price tag than the ones sold by your competitors.
• You are able to produce a smaller (or larger, depending on the product) version of the product, making it easier or more advantageous.
• Your product might have extra features or functions that your competitors are not able to offer.
• You may have the ability to give your customers a wider variety of aesthetic options (color, etc).

These things may not all seem significant but when a consumer is looking for the “perfect product” to add to his collection they are all things he’ll consider. Knowing what your unique selling points are will enable you to target specific audiences and, in turn, increase the liklihood of making a sale.

Take the time to learn about your products. Otherwise, you’ll simply be grasping for straws!

Sean

Sales Expert - Marketing Consultant – Motivational Speaker