Startup Marketing Basics

Introducing the marketing Ps 

Marketing is about connecting with your customers and getting them to buy your product or service. It's a lot more than just advertising. To understand marketing, it's helpful to start with some very essential marketing basics, otherwise known as the marketing Ps.

So let get to know the marketing Ps. 

• Product: What are you selling? Is it a tangible product, or a service? How does it benefit your customers?

• Price: How much will you charge for your product or service? Consider factors like your costs, your competitors' prices, and the perceived value of your offering.

• Place: Where and how will you sell your product or service? This could be online, in a physical store, from your home.

• Promotion: How will you let people know about your product or service? This includes advertising, public relations, social media, and other marketing activities.

• Performance: How well does your product or service meet the needs and wants of your customers? Are you delivering on your promises?

• Process: Customers aren't just buy your core offering (mending a tap or cutting hair for instance), they are buying a total experience. So consider what is the buying experience like for your customers? How easy is it for them to contact you, book/cancel an appointment or get a quote from you? How do you deal with customer complaints? 

• Physical Evidence: With media coverage of scam operations people are always hesitant when buying from somone new. Physical Evidence is your way to prove to potential customers that you are a valid business. So consider: What tangible evidence of your brand do customers encounter? This could be your website, your packaging, business stationery or van livery, social media presence or your physical store. Whatever your business potential customers want physical evidence that will give them the confidence to buy from you.
  Testimonials Testimonials from satisfied customers can be a powerful marketing tool and provide important Physical Evidence. Helping to build trust and credibility. Encourage your customers to share their experiences with others and collate and document the best for use in your marketing.
  Never forget that it has also, never been easier to voice ones disastifaction with the service you have received, whether it be simply telling your family and friends or posting on Facebook, Nextdoor or Trip Advisor.

• People: These are the people with whom customers interact with when dealing with your business. Even though initially you maybe the sole person dealing with every aspect of customer interaction, consider: How quickly do you respond to enquiries? How friendly and helpful are you when talking with customers? Do you communicate clearly? What is your tone of voice? 

In Summary

Remember, marketing is an ongoing process. It's important to track your results and make adjustments as needed. By understanding the basics of marketing and applying them to your business, you can increase your sales and build a loyal customer base.

If you'd like to know more about building a Brand check out my Brand Basic page.