Welcome back to the Brand It, Build It Podcast, where we share practical marketing tips for creative small business owners! I’m your host, Kelly Zugay, and today, we’re exploring 3 must-try marketing strategies to better engage and grow your audience. Whether you’re a new or experienced business owner, these strategies are designed to help you connect with your audience in a meaningful way, grow your reach, and, of course, convert your audience to confidently-paying customers or clients.

But before we get started, I want to mention a valuable resource for business owners looking for an all-in-one solution to their marketing challenges: Enji. Enji creates everything from your marketing strategy to your marketing campaigns — and includes features like a social media scheduler, AI copywriter, and KPI dashboard. If marketing has been falling to the wayside in your business, and you need a trusted resource to make strategic recommendations, empower you to stay on top of your marketing, and track your metrics — Enji is a must-try tool. Now, let’s dive in!

Strategy 1: Leverage the Power of Personalized Email Marketing

Email marketing has always been one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience. But to really stand out, you need to go beyond just sending a weekly newsletter. Personalization is key.

• Step 1: Segment Your Audience
  Begin by segmenting your email list into different groups based on the interests, behaviors, or past purchases of your subscribers. For example, if you run a boutique, you could create separate segments for customers who have purchased different types of products, such as clothing, accessories, or home decor. This allows you to send more targeted and relevant content to each group.
• Step 2: Personalize Your Email Content
  Use your segments to create email content that feels personal and tailored to each audience. Include your subscribers’ first names in the subject line or opening, and craft content that speaks directly to their needs. For example, send a follow-up email after a purchase with product care tips, or share a special discount based on their past interests.
• Step 3: Automate, But Keep It Authentic
  Automation doesn’t mean losing the human touch. Send personalized messages based on actions your subscribers take, such as signing up for your newsletter, making a purchase, or abandoning their cart. The more personalized your approach, the more likely you’ll see higher open rates and conversions.

Strategy 2: Optimize Your Social Media Presence with Strategic Content Planning

Social media is one of the best ways to grow your business organically, but with so much content out there, you have to be strategic about how you show up. It’s not just about posting every day; it’s about posting with purpose.

• Step 1: Create a Content Calendar
  Outline your content for the month ahead, including posts for each platform you use. Think about themes that resonate with your audience, such as educational posts, behind-the-scenes peeks, client testimonials, or interactive content like polls and questions. Planning ahead helps you stay consistent and ensures your content aligns with your business goals.
• Step 2: Utilize Different Content Types
  Mix things up by using a variety of content types. For example, include a combination of static images, carousel posts, Reels, and Stories. This keeps your feed dynamic and engaging while reaching different segments of your audience.
• Step 3: Engage with Your Audience
  Remember, social media isn’t just a platform for you to talk at your audience; it’s an opportunity to engage with them. Respond to comments, DMs, and mentions. Ask questions in your captions to encourage engagement, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. People connect with people, so let your authenticity shine through.

Using a tool like Enji can help simplify your social media planning. You can create and schedule content all in one place, making it easier to stay organized and consistent.

Strategy 3: Make the Most of User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is any content – photos, videos, reviews – that your customers create featuring your products or services. It’s one of the most authentic forms of marketing because it comes directly from your customers.

• Step 1: Encourage Customers to Share Their Experience
  Ask your customers to share photos or videos of them using your products, and feature these posts on your social media or website. You could even run a monthly contest where customers who tag you in their posts get entered to win a small prize.
• Step 2: Share UGC Across Multiple Channels
  Don’t just limit UGC to social media. Share these photos, videos, or testimonials in your email marketing, on your website, and even in print materials. Seeing real customers enjoying your products can build trust and inspire others to make a purchase.
• Step 3: Always Give Credit
  When sharing user-generated content, make sure you credit the original creator. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it also encourages others to share their content because they know they’ll be featured.

User-generated content is a powerful way to build a sense of community around your brand and showcase the value of your products or services in an authentic way.

So, there you have it — three must-try marketing strategies to boost your small business growth: personalized email marketing, strategic social media planning, and leveraging user-generated content. Implementing even just one of these strategies can make a meaningful difference. But if you’re in need of an extra push or extra support to jump-start your marketing, I highly recommend trying a tool like Enji to streamline your marketing efforts. With Enji, you can create custom campaigns, plan your content, and manage everything all from one platform – making your marketing process simpler and more effective than ever.

Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode of Brand It, Build It. If you found this episode helpful, I’d love for you to leave a review or share it with a fellow small business owner who could benefit from these tips. Thanks for tuning in!

Brand It, Build It Podcast, Hosted by Kelly Zugay

Hosted by Kelly Zugay, co-founder of With Grace and Gold, The Brand It, Build It Podcast is the best small business marketing podcast for small business owners, creatives, and founders. Weekly, brief, actionable episodes will equip you to build a successful, sustainable small business. Since 2014, With Grace and Gold has provided award-winning custom brand and Showit web design and completely customizable Showit website templates for small businesses worldwide.