Self-advertising: 7 marketing tips for start-ups

 The following seven practical tips are the first step for start-ups towards (even) better self-marketing.

Starting your own company is exciting and involves all kinds of new tasks. To establish yourself successfully on the market, marketing plays a central role. A distinction must be made here between online marketing and offline marketing because depending on the type of start-up, other advertising measures are possible. 

New stores benefit from strikingly designed shop windows and interesting customer stoppers, purely online companies are in good hands, especially in the social media area. However, marketing can also be combined, even purely offline stores benefit from a reputable online presence. The following seven tips are the first step towards better self-marketing for start-ups.

1. A target group analysis defines the necessary advertising measures

There are special measures in modern marketing for each target group, so a target group analysis is the first step. Young people can be reached more easily through modern media, while television advertising or print campaigns are less well-received. The most important question is whether the respective target group can be reached online or offline.

The background of the marketing campaign must also be planned. Does the campaign serve to strengthen the brand and build up an image, or is the focus on increased sales? The more precisely the potential customer is defined and the more information is available, the more efficiently marketing works.

2. Trade fairs are an important area for start-ups

Even if the trade fair business in Germany is having difficulties, trade fairs are still one of the most important marketing measures for start-ups. Above all, the opportunity to get in touch with potential customers face-to-face strengthens one's own brand. 

A well-designed exhibition stand doesn't cost a lot of money, but it attracts a lot of attention. Having the right staff is crucial because the image of the start-up is conveyed to the world at a trade fair.

Small advertising deals are very helpful to get your own business in the minds of consumers. It is also important that the trade fair has the right thematic focus. Design start-ups are ideally placed at architecture fairs, whereas new and innovative food products have better chances at a food fair.

3. Flyers and business cards are not out

Even if business cards only seem to play a subordinate role in the age of online marketing, they are still important. A structured and simple structure has proven its worth here, too much creativity can be a deterrent. Flyers also still play a role, they can be placed in cooperating companies, in restaurants, at the hairdressers, or in other public places.

Here, too, the right target group must be reached. The analysis also serves to sound out possible cooperations and to find places where potential customers can be found. The advantage of business cards and flyers is that they are inexpensive to produce. In particular, large direct mail in the residential area preferred by the target group can prove to be cheap and effective.

4. The perfect social media presence

More than two billion people use social networks, and all social classes are represented. For modern companies, it is no longer a choice whether to venture into the network. To generate success, direct customer loyalty, and sales, it is mandatory to expand your social media presence. 

The only exception is companies that have a predominantly older target group whose presence on the Internet is only weak. But here, too, it is the relatives and contacts of the target group who can have a marketing-promoting effect in the form of word of mouth.

However, a good social media profile is not sufficient for the long-term success of the start-up. Instead, continuous content must be presented. Qualitative insights into the company, a direct connection to the customer through communication and paid AD campaigns are the great advantages offered by Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

5. Search engine optimization for a better presence on Google and Co.

Behind the three letters, SEO is a valuable contribution to self-marketing, which can be implemented with a little know-how, at least initially on your own. With different measures, it is possible to have your own website appear in preferred positions on Google. If consumers search for the right keyword, the start-up will be displayed with a good presence.

Good to know: Whereas in the past it was mainly short keywords on the website that appealed to the Google algorithm, the search engine has become more intelligent today. High-quality content, interesting links, and links from trustworthy partners as well as intelligently set tags ensure that Google's algorithm increases visibility.

For beginners whose business does not include basic knowledge in the field of marketing, the help of an agency is recommended. Inexpensive and innovative optimization campaigns can also be used by start-ups and help to strengthen the brand and the company.

6. Pay attention to customer friendliness when building the website

A website is created quickly, and modular systems make it possible even for laypeople to present themselves on the Internet. 

However, there are striking differences between a website and a good website. When a potential customer comes across a company's website, they have wishes, goals, or even questions. The task of building a website is to fulfill and answer the customer's wishes, goals, and questions.

The construction must therefore always happen from an objective point of view to offer the customer an optimal result. 

Easy integration of buy and information buttons, sufficient information about the type of company, videos, animations, and good menu navigation are the basics that every good website must contain. It doesn't matter whether the start-up operates offline or online. 

An offline store can also promote itself by seducing online customers to an offline experience with a good web presence.

7. Bold and eye-catching promotions arouse customer interest

When a person in a bear costume walks through the city center and gives away chocolate hearts, attention is sure to be drawn. If the address of the new store can be read on the packaging of the heart, then at least a first awareness of the brand has reached the consumer. Young target groups are almost predestined to arouse their curiosity through eye-catching campaigns. The younger, the hipper the action options.

Whether an impromptu (registered) waffle stand in front of the store or an invitation to a lemonade tasting in the store, the more innovation a start-up shows, the more leads, and customer interactions are attainable. Younger generations want to be addressed, and the hunger for adventure is greater than ever.

This shows once again how important the target group analysis mentioned in point one really is. The target group for orthopedic health shoes cannot be won with an e-scooter race planned by the start-up, but the target group for electromobility that thinks sustainably can.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey of self-advertising for startups demands a strategic approach, and Instagram marketing emerges as a pivotal player in this landscape. Leverage the visual allure of Instagram to showcase your startup's story, products, and unique selling propositions. 

Employ engaging visuals, compelling captions, and relevant hashtags to amplify your reach. Foster community engagement by interacting with your audience through comments, direct messages, and interactive features. 

Utilize Instagram Ads to target specific demographics and expand your startup's visibility. Building an authentic and visually appealing brand presence on Instagram can significantly boost your startup's marketing efforts, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with your target audience.