We describe spam as unwelcome advertising. The word has become such a part of our culture that we also use it outside of the online environment to describe a person who is too salesy in conversations – persistently pushing their product or service without being asked.
As an entrepreneur, you may feel that you’ve earned the right to act like a salesperson. After all, it’s no secret that you have a business and want more people to hear about what you have to offer. Unfortunately, internet spam has ruined that for many business owners. People get bombarded with ads and promotions online to the point that they immediately shut down when they think someone is trying to sell them something.
People avoid sales pitches, afraid that someone may try to convince them to subscribe, sign up, or participate. Why? Because along with the frustration of being spammed, people also fear being scammed. Today’s consumers want to be empowered by their own purchasing decisions. No one sits in front of their televisions anymore, waiting for commercials to tell them what they need and want. People are quick to click the “skip ad” button as soon they’re allowed to. We know this to be true because we do it too.
That’s why promoting has become a challenge for online businesses, particularly new ones. So how do you tell your target audience without turning them off or driving them away? Here are some approaches to consider:
Educate
Talk about your products or services without using flowery adjectives. Don’t mention prices or deals. Instead, get technical. Discuss your product or services use cases. Describe how the product was made, such as its materials and features. Share a post or video showing your audience how someone might use the product in everyday life.
Share
Share your experiences as an entrepreneur, such as the moment your idea for a business first started to stir in your mind and the event that made you decide to take the leap. Talk about how you came up with your company name or how you doodled on a restaurant napkin when you were trying to design your logo. Why did you choose the colors for your branding?
Sell yourself instead
Who are your role models or idols in the sector? Talk about your values and who you hope to help with your products or services. Open up about your failures, insecurities, and goals to promote transparency and authenticity. Talk about your skills, experiences, and achievements. Don’t let your ego take over but do express how proud you are of your accomplishments and hopes to inspire fellow entrepreneurs. When people trust you, they will trust your business.
Engage
Like, comment, and share. Use social media to engage with your existing customers and target audience. Rather than make a comment inviting people to check out your business profile or website, leave a lasting impression that will lead to people wanting to discover more about you on your own. Sometimes, it’s as simple as agreeing with a comment or participating in a conversation by sharing a positive experience or a helpful answer.
Remember, promoting your brand doesn’t always have to mean getting into others’ faces to force them to acknowledge your existence and make a purchasing decision. It can be subtle without being sneaky. Sometimes, genuine interactions and positive experiences can be enough to get attention and encourage interest.
If you’re a new entrepreneur seeking a mentor, connect with me today. I want to help you become your own boss, a self-confident entrepreneur living up to your full potential.
