Hot or Not for SMBs in 2012

BANGALORE, INDIA:

The techniques that are effective to keep and get new customers continues to radically change. In 2012, they will evolve even more. Here is what’s going to be hot (and what’s not) in the year to come.

1. Direct Selling

Not: It used to be that every sales effort started from picking up the phone to “cold call” an industry list.

Hot: Don’t be afraid to always ask for a referral or reference. Satisfied customers almost always are happy to give them.

2. Deal-a-Day Websites

Not: Offering coupons alone through Groupon, Living Social and other daily deal mechanism is not effective long term.

Hot: When these daily offers are used to attract new customers and then retain a lifetime value relationship, they can be worthwhile. Businesses are now turning to companies like Mob Manager that help follow up daily deal purchases with multiple emails that build a future relationship.

Also read : Google to make women entrepreneurs go WEOW

3. Giving Your Pitch

Not: Trying to sell a product because it will make the future customer “better” no longer is compelling.

Pain Killers: Every company needs a targeted “elevator pitch” that focuses on the pain the business solves for the customer that has the money.

4. Generating Web Traffic

Not: Using an outrageous YouTube video or other social media stunt that has nothing to do with your business to get website traffic that visits once and never comes again is ineffective. One and done also becomes very expensive.

Hot: Building long-term relationships by consistently giving value through email is important.

{#PageBreak#}5. Using Pay-Per-Click

Not: Experimenting with pay-per-click by using Google Adwords, Yahoo! Search Marketing or Microsoft adCenter without really understanding.

Hot: Hiring a certified pay-per-click professional who actually does know how to drive qualified traffic on a budget will yield improved results.

6. It’s Still the Web

Not: Ignoring the Internet because it is not “relevent” to a local brick and mortar business or a professional services provider is a big mistake.

Hot: Claiming your company’s local listings from Google, Bing and Dex Knows by verifying that all information is correct.

Also read : Internet Retail Expo to begin on Feb 2

7. More Mobile

 Not: Your company website is not visible or usable from mobile PDA and tablet devices.

 Hot: Having an “app for that” on major platforms like iPhone and Android. Prospects should be able to access information on your company through a mobile application that looks good on their phone or tablet.

8. The Social Media Hard Sell

Not: Attempting to use Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook or other social media for a hard sell or spamming.

Hot: Think social CRM. Use social media to make others aware of your expertise. Helpful conversations will develop loyal bonds from people who want to hear more from you.

9. More Content

Not: Putting up a blog every week and thinking that’s enough to spread your company’s message. If you build it, they really don’t come.

Hot: Include the latest sharing buttons so readers can spread the content for you.

Source : www.smallbiztrends.com