Category: Hacks

6 Effective Growth Hacking Strategies To Try In Your Business Today

Few years ago, my friend’s business failed within the first month. It was a makeup business, and she was very excited about it. She had purchased the necessary makeup tools and was skilled in their use, but unfortunately, she had no growth hacking ideas for startups. And because we -our circle of friends, had so much faith in her and her business,  we became concerned when she did not receive as many customers as expected.

We decided to increase our marketing efforts by posting advertisements for her business on the walls of hostels and talking to random people about it. A few people showed up, but she wasn’t making any profit. As you might have guessed, none of these pointed to startup growth hacking. They were simply marketing strategies that might have been enough in 1995, but definitely not now.

When she couldn’t take it any longer, she closed her business and we lost contact after I graduated and relocated.

Now, there are many business owners who have been or are currently still in my friend’s shoes. If you really want to give your brand visibility, you will need to learn growth hacking strategies.

Growth hacking strategies are the lifeline of small businesses, especially the ones that want to offer the best results to their customers. They target rapid results and help small business owners survive in competitive environments.

After reconnecting with my friend on social media recently, I was amazed by her success in the make-up business. Now she even has her own line of cosmetics.
The growth hacking ideas I’ll share with you below are the key to her current success.

Growth Hacking For Startups: Many Businesses Swear By These 6 Strategies

As a small business owner who wants to gain visibility and survive in competitive environments, pay attention to the following:

Having a strong online presence.

Have you ever deactivated any of your social media accounts? Did anyone notice you deactivated? The answer to this question lies in how strong your social media presence is.

Having a strong online presence is vital to an overall social presence. According to Google, 97% of consumers use the web to search for local businesses – and if most of your potential customers are online, you should be, too.

A brand would need a strong overall presence to grow. Constantly make posts and engage your audience.

Social media is a great way for you as a business owner to reach out to your potential customers. Your page should be catchy and fun to visit. Having a strong online presence reinforces your brand and what you offer to your target market.

Also, the business shouldn’t come first while making a post. For starters, you can start with something that would catch the attention of your users; then bring in your product thereafter. A strong online presence is an effective growth hacking strategy.

Staying on top of trends.

growth hacking for startups

In today’s fast-paced world, it is critical for a business owner to stay up to date on the latest business trends. To be honest, running a small business is a full-time job.

Customer service, staff management, budget tracking, marketing, and sales all require your undivided attention. They leave you with little time and energy to focus on larger industry trends.

But, to stay relevant as a brand, you need relevant marketing tactics. You should be careful about which growth hacking strategy to adopt, according to the business, the product, and the social context. And you can only know this when you stay on top of trends.

It is important to follow competition and trends in the digital landscape. You can achieve this by taking advantage of free pieces of training, engaging in social media, and keeping an eye on business statistics.

An outdated approach might end up creating a negative image, which you wouldn’t want. The key is to keep it fresh and innovative. Analyze the trends well and adapt them to the brand’s identity.

Building an Online Community.

Many businesses report that online communities provide a more in-depth understanding of their customers’ needs. By creating an online community that actively engages your customers, you are not only telling them but also showing them that they matter.

This adds a personal touch to the brand’s engagement with its customers. That personal touch is the key to building brand loyalty – an effective way to hack growth today.

It shows a human side to businesses, a positive image that attracts potential leads and spreads brand awareness to larger audiences.

Online communities tend to enable direct dialogue around the product. Some business owners get feedback from their customers through an online community.

Getting Feedback from Customers.

Feedback is the most valuable thing a business can get from its customers. You can use the feedback from your customers for several purposes.

It could be used to know when your customers are having a good experience with your products and when they are not having. With that info, you can make some changes to the system, etc. To achieve this, you can ask your customers to provide you with their feedback, you would use it to serve them better.

Content Marketing.

growth hacking for startups

It is one of the most effective growth hacking strategies in digital marketing for small businesses. It has the ability to evolve your audience to customers. Content is the king of everything online, be it blog, picture, or video.

What I mean by content marketing is providing interesting and valuable content to your audience. Which will, in turn, help you convert your audience to customers, this is a great growth hacking strategy for small businesses.

If you have your business website, you can write informative and interesting blogs, which will help in increasing traffic, SEO, and customers.

Nowadays, everyone goes to the internet for answers and solutions; try providing your audience with the answer and solution they are looking for and you will see them come back for more

Collaborating with an Influencer.

Influencers play a vital role in effective growth hacking. Their opinions are trusted and oftentimes they are considered infallible by their followers. True to the term they have the power to “influence” a large audience of followers. 

They can help you spread awareness about your brand, products, and/or services. When they endorse your brand, product, or service, they can get their audiences to trust your brand. This trust can help you drive more conversions and sales and boost customer loyalty. A perfect growth hack, right?

Collaborating with them can boost the visibility of a brand, and generate promising leads. These people understand their audiences and therefore, they create original and relevant content that their audience will love to engage with and share.

You should consider some factors like the number and demographics of their followers and the relevance of their content to the business you are trying to promote.

These strategies will help you achieve what you want at a very cheap and affordable rate. I can not help but ask myself how much my friend’s business would have greatly improved if we had known these strategies then. Thankfully, our ignorance didn’t make her give up completely, rather it spurred her into making researches for growth ideas, so she can do better. You are lucky to have access to them now, try them out, if you have difficulty with any, contact us, we’ll be happy to help you achieve your business goals.

Also read: 5 Solid Reasons You Should Hire A Content Marketing Agency In 2022

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5 Solid Reasons You Should Hire A Content Marketing Agency In 2021

Should I hire a marketing agency?

You should if you want to increase ROI faster, ditch the expense of trial and error and speed up your business growth.

As an old saying goes, “proper preparation prevents poor performance.” It’s 5 months into 2021. The world is evolving even more. Strategies are changing, and the world is becoming even more of a global village every day. It is only advisable that as a business owner, you step up your content marketing game. This is because the online market is getting bigger every day. In this article, I will give you good enough reasons why you should hire a marketing agency.

Why Should You Hire A Marketing Agency? Absolutely!

It is not always easy to get customers, especially because a thousand and one other people are doing the same thing your brand does. Most individuals and companies ask themselves, “should I hire a marketing agency?” It is very important that for your business’s growth, you seek a professional’s service. This is because of some important reasons I’ll be explaining to you.

Five Good Reasons You Should Hire A Marketing Agency In 2021

man looking at marketing analytics

A man studying marketing analytics

1. Less load on your shoulders

2. Professional hands

3. Availability of Metric Measuring Tools

4. Access to Various Skills Set

1. Less load on your shoulders:

Research has shown that people who work longer hours are 40 per cent more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. Doing all the work yourself would definitely drain you in no time. You wouldn’t be able to get enough work done if you’re going to be doing it all by yourself. You are a business owner, not a magician. This does not only relieve you of stress but also contributes to the faster growth of your company. Division of labour pays off whether or not you have to spend money. After all, what you need are results. If a content marketing agency can give you that result you aspire to have, why not go for it?

2. Professional Hands:

In order words, expert hands. If you’re going to be hiring a content marketing agency, then be sure that your business is in expert hands. No one is an island of knowledge. There isn’t any way in the world that you would know everything, no matter how learned you are. It could also be possible that this agency that you hire would know other marketing skills such as SEO and online advertising. Now you know this is an edge for your brand!

3. Availability of Metric Measuring Tools:

Content marketing agencies usually use an array of technological tools to help measure their work. These tools help tell them what content your audience likes and even where to find your audience. They can measure what time your engagements are best or even the demography of your audience. This helps in better content targeting and increases your businesses visibility and profit.

Want to go from low sales to sold out with seductive social media captions? Grab the Caption It Workbook here today!

4. Access to Various Skills Set:

should I hire a marketing agency

Content marketing agencies comprise various individuals that have diverse skills set. Such skills include writing, graphic design, SEO, content marketing, content strategy and more. Getting a content marketing agency avails you the chance to have all these skills set work on your brief. And you can get the whole for a fraction of the cost you would have paid individually! That’s the best part! So you keep your business professional and cohesive.

When Should I Hire A Marketing Agency?

should I hire a marketing agency

Now that you know the importance of having a content marketing agency, it is also advisable that you know when to hire one for your company. You shouldn’t always rush to employ hands if you don’t need one yet. I will help you with some indicators to help you decide when to hire expert hands for your business. The list below should help you monitor when to hire expert hands.

  1. When your sales are becoming stagnant.
  2. Or when marketing becomes boring.
  3. When you realize you do not have the required skills.
  4. Or when you don’t have qualified leads.
  5. You only seem to get excellent results if you’re lucky.
  6. You wonder what is working, and what isn’t.

When your sales are becoming stagnant.

If you ever realize your business growth is becoming stagnant, now this should be a sign that you need a content marketing agency to take over. It isn’t a good thing for your business to have slow growth, especially as a small business owner or a prospective business owner. There are a lot of factors that can determine why the growth of a sale is stalling. Factors can range from ineffective marketing to poor customer service or poor content planning, etc. However, whatever the symptom may be, you can find a solution when you employ the service of a content marketing agency. Sometimes all you might need to revive your brand’s growth is a fresh perspective.

Or when marketing becomes boring.

If you find yourself saying the same thing over and over, and engagement is low across your social profiles and website, plus sales have tanked, you need a content makeover. Your audience may be bored, and some other brand is stealing their attention. Here, you definitely need a content marketing agency. Hire them to give you a fresh perspective and engage your audience creatively.

When you realize you do not have the required skills.

No man is an island, well that’s true, where it is knowledge. Even if you have knowledge of it, you would need to delegate some things to keep you free for the more important stuff. As long as the agency has all the required skills to achieve your aim, a proven record and a brilliant strategy, go for it!

Or when you don’t have qualified leads.

By their job, a content marketing agency can help pull quality leads to your business. They also possess the proper skills to help convert such leads to paying clients. It all boils down to your leads, quality leads. Where to find them, how to approach them, how to get noticed by them and how to convert them. A content marketing agency knows just what to do to achieve them all.

should I hire a marketing agency

You only seem to get excellent results if you’re lucky.

You do not leave excellent results in business to luck. Strategize, implement, analyze and do it all over again. When your result seems to be based on luck and not a clear cut strategy, please get a content marketing agency involved. Your business is too precious and your dreams too valid to be left to chance.

You wonder what is working, and what isn’t.

If you truly don’t know what is working and what isn’t in your business, then you need a content marketing agency. Be able to lead with a clear-cut plan and if you can’t do that, then employ an agency that will help you form the plan. Again, do not leave your business to chance or luck, strategize.

So, Now You Have All This Information…

…Isn’t it time you hired a content marketing agency? Hey, you can even get a discount when you link up here. In conclusion, you are the driver of your dreams and ideas, however; you need help in achieving them. Hiring a content marketing agency will not only give you value for your buck but help you focus on the larger picture. And that’s a valuable spend.

Need content marketing services? Get in touch with us.

Also read: A Comprehensive Guide To Content Marketing For Small Business Owners

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7 Types Of Toxic Relationships To Avoid in Any Business

There are different types of toxic relationships you must avoid in any business. No one ever said that business would be accessible. Maintaining healthy and productive relationships with co-workers, clients, and other business associates can often be challenging.

Failure to avoid toxic relationships in business can only spell doom and disaster for your business.

Human beings are the most difficult species to handle. Like a coach’s selection of players for the match ahead, you must put your best men forward to yield excellent results in your business.

The types of toxic relationships highlighted in this article are written to prevent “had I known…” and unnecessary headaches.

This blog post will discuss seven different toxic types of relationships to avoid in any business setting!

7 Different Toxic Types of Relationships to Avoid in any Business

1. The Pessimist

types of people to avoid
A pessimistic young lady

Pessimists are toxic partners who never see any idea’s bright side, never agree with any suggestions, and never believe that a plan can be feasible.

They are very comfortable with the status quo and are nonchalant toward innovative thinking that could bring about change.

A toxic partner says no to every proposal and doesn’t see enough value in your products/ services to invest in or pay for them.

Such a person doesn’t believe in your dreams enough to make sacrifices and commitments. You will end up making no progress.

Pessimistic people find the company’s goals unrealistic and impossible to achieve.

Pessimists with their negative thinking can negatively impact the productivity levels at the workplace, leading to a lack of motivation, bad work ethic, etc.

2. The Incompetent/Unqualified Toxic Types of People To Avoid In Business

It does not matter what your reasons for wanting to partner with incompetent or unqualified employees may be. Incompetent or unqualified employees are toxic partners who will slow down your progress and yield nothing in the long run.

Making up for the mistakes of an incompetent and toxic partner costs a lot of time, energy, and resources. Chitra Reddy at WiseStep likens this to “suicide” in the business world.

Unqualified partners, unfortunately, fail at meeting customer expectations lots of times. When unqualified partners fail to meet customer expectations, huge losses of time, energy, and resources are invested.

Successful individuals and businesses have a reputation for good delivery and optimal customer satisfaction. With an incompetent business partner disappointing with every delivery, the reputation of your business is set to suffer as well.

3. The Dishonest Person

types of people to avoid

A dishonest person is a toxic partner and should never be condoned in a relationship, business or otherwise.

A dishonest person is very different from a suitable business partner and a threat to security.

The word of a dishonest person is unreliable, and you could never know their true intentions. “Don’t waste your time with people who aren’t 100 percent honest and upfront from the beginning,” Jonathan says.

A toxic partner could set aside the company’s values for their gains.

4. The Manipulative Business Partner

types of people to avoid

Whilst networking, you present your best traits to people and attract those interested. Some of these people could have ulterior motives in wanting to be your business partner.

One thing I am sure of is that your company does not want to partner with someone who would intentionally withhold support until you satisfy their wants.

People who underestimate your value and feel you are nothing without them are toxic. It would be best to never do business with them as they can influence you into sacrificial thinking.

As Isaiah Hankel at Entrepreneur puts it, you’ll start to believe that you have to sacrifice your happiness for others to be happy,

types of people to avoid

5. The Prejudiced

Another set of people you can call toxic partners are prejudiced people. Prejudiced people are the set of people who have the tendencies to treat other persons differently because of their race, gender, or religious beliefs. They are known to be prejudiced in business transactions as well. These are people you should avoid.

6. People With Bad Ratings/Reviews

types of people to avoid

Always find out how the person you are about to do business with has handled business deals in the past.

You could count on a highly rated individual or business to meet expectations. However, an individual or business with bad reviews and ratings will almost always lead to another disappointing experience.

Endeavour to check ratings and reviews via Google Maps or their social media handles. e.g. Facebook, Twitter, etc.

7. The Bad Client/ Customer

As a business person offering goods and services, some clients are no good for you. There are toxic things in a relationship that possibly exists between yourself and a bad client that you must look out for.

Freelancers often complain of elusive clients, clients who pay too little, and, worse, clients who don’t pay. If a client is being rude, insulting, or condescending from the start, your experience working with them will likely be depressing and highly stressful. Clients who fail to respect professional boundaries are very likely to make you cross them and should be avoided.

Conclusion

Always make sure you are making the best choices in your relationship. Looking out for these toxic types of relationships in any business will ensure you have fewer heartaches. The backbone of any successful business is its people. We at Hustle Africa wish you all the best.

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5 Buyer Personality Types And How Best To Sell To Them

Do you know that there are buyer personality types? What do I mean? People have different approaches to reaching a logical reason why they have to buy a thing. 

You must never sell to your customers the way you want to be sold. Except you have the same buyer personality type as that person, you will not sell.

I know you don’t fully understand. Let me explain further. 

People have different personalities. Some people will buy your market even before you start persuading them. Some others will say, “I will get back to you”. Another group will say “Are you sure that this thing will work?” etc.

You must learn to spot the different types of selling. Customer personality types are a must-learn to soar in business.

Let me break it down like this. We have:

  1. Decisive Buyers
  2. Collaborators
  3. Social Buyers
  4. Skeptics
  5. Analysts

Our Top 5 Buyers’ Personality Types And How To Sell To Them

1. The Decisive Buyer Personality

Ever had a customer who you initially thought was bossy but in the end, your sale went through? If this is familiar to you, congratulations! You have just passed the directives test!

The directives are those customers that are results-driven. They always want to win. When they come to patronize you, it seems like you’re being ordered around. Be cool, it’s their nature.

With this buyer personality type, you want to put in more effort than normal. Because these people can seem bossy, demanding and impatient.

How To Sell To Them

  1. Be decisive in your marketing strategy.
  2. Show that you’re willing to take risks to satisfy them.
  3. Relax, but don’t ever be caught off guard.
  4. They like conflicts, always be ready with your resolution tactics.

2. The Collaborators Are Another Buyer Personality Type

If you are lucky to get contacted by this buyer personality type, then you can be sure of a ‘happily ever after.’ This set is the exact opposite of the directives. Solving problems is what they do best. And they have very sweet personalities. Very deliberate, tactful, friendly, accommodating, and adaptable.

How To Sell To Them

  1. Always draw up a detailed agreement that benefits all parties involved. It means a lot to them.
  2. Take time to explain in detail the terms of your agreement.
  3. Allow them to feel free to make contributions and express their opinions.
  4. Understand that the whole buyer journey might be a lot slower. This is because things have to be explained in detail. But we trust you to make it worth it.

3. The Social Buyer Personality Type

customer persona

This buyer personality type loves to interact. Think of the social butterfly. These are the customers who will ask you to meet them at a party. The ones that come out for drinks to discuss. To get the best out of them, engage them socially.

They are active people that believe in teamwork and are problem solvers. Their most attractive feature is their ability to build relationships. They have goals and are good conversation starters. You can never get bored talking to this buyer personality type.

How To Sell To Them

  1. Save the technical details. You’ll bore these ones to sleep.
  2. Listen to their ideas, and share in their excitement. They like to talk about things that interest them.
  3. Think fun conversations. Make marketing a social event and you will win them over.
  4. This type of customer would rather talk about their last vacation on the beach than listen to your official business.
  5. Always fix social settings for your meetings. You want to keep them excited all the time.

4. The Skeptical Customer Personality

buyer personality types
Man examines product before purchase

While they’re not exactly the opposite of the social buyers, the skeptical personae are also called the self-examiners. They are critical thinkers, observant, and quite reserved.

They won’t trust you easily, but once you prove yourself to be reliable, you’ll have them eating out of your palm.

Just be ready to spend more time and effort on winning them over. These ones take pride in their realism as much as they hold on to their rigid conclusions.

How To Sell To Them

  1. Be a professional and come correct. They often prefer email to phone calls because they want things spelled out in black and white.
  2. Skeptics take privacy very seriously. Again, be a professional.
  3. Be patient. They might not respond to you immediately, but that’s only because they’re considering your offer.
  4. Don’t personalize the relationship, or be too friendly.
  5. Be ready to explain and explain again.

5. The Analytical Personality Style

buyer personality types
Young man thinking critically | Freepik

The analysts are the data lords. To win them over, you will have to provide them with every detail of the business. Don’t get it twisted. Analysts do get ideas and still try out new things. But they just happen to take a lot of time doing it.

Also, they are the very cautious ones. Always obedient to rules. They also follow procedures and keep to standards. In a nutshell, we can say that “the analysts” are problem solvers. Why? They examine from all angles of things before taking an action.

How To Sell To Them

  1. Make sure you come with every bit of data to back up your discussion. Your accuracy is important to this buyer’s personality type.
  2. Don’t wait too long to take action. They often spend too much time analyzing. Help spur them to action without giving the impression that you’re criticizing them.

Now that you know these buyer personality types and the different types of selling involved with each of them, do well to observe your next set of buyers. You’d know how best to sell to them and your business will improve!

Also Read: See How To Know Your Ideal Audience On Social Media

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25 Awesome Ways To Create The Most Engaging Video Content

When it comes to video content, you want to make sure that you are thinking outside the box. Stale ideas will not engage your audience and could lead to them clicking away from your video before it is even finished.

According to Wordstream, 51% of marketing professionals worldwide name video as the type of content with the best ROI. Marketers who use video grow revenue 49% faster than non-video users. 64% of consumers make a purchase after watching branded social videos.

Conceptualizing your video content can be a daunting task. What should your video be about? What style should it be in? How do you come up with ideas for videos?

It is one thing for you to know a strategy to implement and another for you to know HOW to implement it. That is where this article comes in handy. We have put together 25 compelling video content ideas to help you through this journey. Okay, press play!

You Should See These  Awesome Video Content Ideas

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Win Your Customers Over With These Powerful Marketing Phrases

Most businesses wield influence and patronage just because of the marketing phrases they use. There are online pages or physical shops you visit and you feel like a shareholder after visiting once or twice. When people come to your online page or shop, what’s the “ambience” like?

I know of a laptop seller on Instagram that goes by the name “Ogabassey never disappoints”. All his WhatsApp message laptop reviews always ends in that slogan. Every time he makes a post, he ends it with that slogan. Many people have subconsciously noted that he doesn’t disappoint. That’s branding. It gives the business a personal touch and wins customers.

There are various marketing phrases you can use in your business that would make you unique in the eyes of your customers. Without further ado, let me show introduce marketing phrases that will enable you attract and retain customers in no distant time.

Marketing Phrases To Attract Customers And Make You Unique

Here, we’re talking about marketing phrases that help customers become aware of your service. Not only will they enhance your presence, but also increase your engagements. Also, they’ll enhance sales at the end. You may wonder what informs customers’ decisions to buy. There’s a number of factors to consider. But look no further. These marketing phrases will attract customers, hold their interests and make them come back. 

Some lifestyle business owners often think that only low-cost price informs a customer’s decision. But some believe that low-cost price and simple shopping processes are enough factors to consider. While this might be true, it might not be totally so. And this is why you need to find out your own unique selling points.

Common Marketing Phrases to Attract Customers

No doubt, certain marketing phrases can attract customers. And there are quite a lot of them. Their use does not even need the presence of the seller.  But business owners fail to look in this direction. At times, we do this because they are supposedly common! They also cost us nothing. And not just that, they are at our fingertips. Hence why some business owners overlook their usefulness.

If you’re guilty of this, then let’s look at them together to help you have a more solid customer base.

Saying Thank You Is A Marketing Phrase To Attract Customers

Marketing phrases to attract customers

In the general sense, ‘thank you’ is one of the most polite phrases you’d come across. It is a common marketing phrase that shows your gratitude. And it can attract customers. After a sale, show the customer you’re grateful through a mail, an SMS or even a call. This may even come in form of gifts and awards to longstanding customers. When you do any of this, you’re telling them you value them and there’s no you without them.

Also, what this does is to endear you to your customers. Because you’ve just told them they are important to your growth. And that’s a great feeling. No one wants to stay where they are not needed. It’s good to always remember that you have competitors. Saying ‘thank you’ is, therefore, a good way to retain your customers.

If you look at it from the competitive angle, you’ll agree that what retains customers most times is the relationship. This is why your customer service should be sound. Use ‘thank you’ as one of the catchy lines to attract customers and you’ll see the difference.

Before you know it, they have become a part of your customer base. And even if they don’t buy from you, appreciate them for the enquiries made. It’s a way of telling them you’ll love to see them again.

Guaranteed

Marketing phrases to attract customers

The reason for the use of this phrase is to enable you back up your sales offer. And why you’ll need to do so is because many have replaced quality for quantity. Also, it reassures customers that they’ll get value for their money. Customers need that assurance from you. They want to hear it over and over again.

The price of a product may not really matter at times. A satisfied customer is one who got a product and it offered what it promised to do. So, when you tell them your product is guaranteed, you just told them to be rest assured that you’re reliable. No one wants their hard earned money to go to waste. So, when using catchy marketing words, let your customers know what they’re buying is guaranteed.

Ideal Choice

Customers look out for affirmations. They want to know if you just want to sell. Or you actually think your product is ideal for them. But oftentimes, business owners just want to make sales. So, you have to be an honest person to tell a customer your product is an ideal choice. You can’t offer what you don’t have! Assure your customers this it’s not just an option but ideal to meet their needs.

Marketing phrases to attract customers

Certain products linger in the memories of customers. And there are also impressions you create on them. They don’t forget such easily. Phrases like “A moment to remember” is one of the common marketing phrases that attract customers.

This phrase will arouse their curiosity. And they’ll want to see and know more about your product. The phrase itself is promising! It can be used by those in the hospitality industry. A couple lodging in a hotel room would love to hear that they are in for a moment to remember. Or at the ticket stand at a cinema when you’ve come to watch one or two movies.

Celebrate Life

Both businesses and products have a life. So do your customers. Let your customers know that your product is ideal for them and their lifestyle. And you can actually celebrate them via the use of this marketing phrase. This will make them feel like the kings they are. Saying it is not enough. But you need to act it.

Special Offer

Marketing phrases to attract customers

There are different kinds of special offers a business owner could put up. And an average customer will actually want an icing on their cake, literally. When a customer sees a product with a special offer message, their interest is aroused already. You could attach an additional product to the sale of another bigger one. That is, when they buy the one on sales, they get an extra product. So, when you think of advertising words that sell, this is one.

More Marketing Phrases To Attract Customers

Get The Most Out of Life

If you are into sporting or sports equipment, then this phrase should be one of your favourites. It brings to life what seems lost in your customer. Also, it offers hope. And it creates a desire for more happiness in life.

‘Feel the Quality’ Is A Marketing Phrase To Attract Customers

When you’re sure of what you carry, you can easily boast of it. This is no mere bragging. It is a way of making customers rest assured of what you can offer and deliver. But, this phrase will work if you truly offer quality services. So, if you sell physical products, you may want to adopt this phrase too.

Worth the Difference

Every business has competitions. Business owners should know this fact. So, you are offering what others claim to offer too. But what makes you stand out is the difference in what you offer. And at times, there are differences in price. Also, it may be in quality or even quantity.

When you ensure you have a combo of good quality and cool cost price, you have nothing to worry about. You can use this to your advantage. This phrase implies that customers might pay more, but for a greater value.

You’re Worth It

This is a marketing phrase that tells customers how valuable they are. This targets their self-esteem. And by telling them this, you’re boosting their ego. Everyone loves to feel good about themselves.

Let’s look at a case where a customer feels a product is too costly. But you tell them “you’re worth it!” How do you think such a person will feel? Good of course! This phrase can help increase sales if said rightly.

Our Reputation Goes With It

Tell me another way to assure someone than to put your integrity on the line. This is a smart way of gaining customers’ trust without many words. This means the product is worth your entire business. And not just this but your integrity too. So, the confidence you have in your product makes you vouch for it.

Scientifically Proven

This is one of the powerful marketing words you can think of. People believe and respect scientists for their vast knowledge. And this is why you’ll attract customers when they know the product they’re buying has a scientific backing. That is a good way of telling them they are safe. That’ll also make your product believable.

Other Marketing Factors That Could Also Attract Customers

Identity

People buy products to fit their persons. And this is why they are interested in the identity of the product and the producer. So, know your customers. Also, note who they want to be. These will help you meet their needs. But this is not all. There are other factors as well.

Value

Value is highly important in any business venture. Be it sales of products or rendering of services. While some consumer groups may value delivery, some find value in the quality of products. As a lifestyle business owner, you should know that what matters to one may not apply to all. So, don’t just sell your product, solve their problems.

On the other hand, some customers love it when you’re interested in after-sales feedback. They’ll remember you more for it. Also, value for some may mean your general good customer service. Such want to know that you care about them and not just about your brand alone.

Price

Everyone wants good quality at a low-cost price. But at times, low-cost price means poor quality to some people. Either way, a product with good quality and reasonable cost price is the way to go. So, it’s your duty to try and balance quality with affordability.

Most consumers will readily buy your products when they know it’s good and cheap. Although, some will still patronize your business even if costly since they know you for good quality.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Add Value When You’re Following Up On A Prospective customer

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5 Ways To Add Value When You’re Following Up On A Prospective Customer

When you’re just starting in sales and marketing, especially when you’re a spanking new lifestyle business owner; it’s easy to think you’re bothering your prospects when you’ve been in their email three times. Making that fourth call might make you seem like a pest, and next thing you know, you feel you should start the conversation with an apology. And so you go, “sorry to bother you again”…

Wait, why is a lifestyle business owner a salesperson? Shouldn’t it be enough that you’re the visioner and CEO? Well, it’s not farfetched to do your marketing when you’re starting in business. If you’re bootstrapping, this is often the case. And if you aren’t bootstrapping, the truth is nobody will market your business better than you in the early days.

So… should you be saying things like “sorry to bother you again”?

Honestly? “Sorry To Bother You Again” Is A No-No In Sales Lingo

bother you again

Ideally, you wouldn’t need to do a follow-up email if you didn’t make the biggest follow-up mistake in the history of follow-up mistakes. What’s that? Not giving your prospect an action to take before sending your first email or call. It ranks high with asking your prospect to respond “as soon as possible”. But saying sorry for contacting a prospective customer is a no-no. Hubspot has a full article on the subject of marketing follow-up communication. Read it here.

Thinking about owning a lifestyle business? Read this first.

Let me quickly say that there’s no need to feel bad if you’re sitting right in the middle of this table. We’ve all been there, I think. Honestly, who has never sent an email that looks something like this?

Here’s why you should never say sorry to bother you again to your prospect:

It suggests you’ve done something offensive

Unless you know something we don’t, there’s nothing offensive about selling (unless you’re sending emails like the above.) People only say, “I’m sorry” when they’ve done something wrong or committed an offence. It means they’re acknowledging and owning up to the wrong they’ve done, in the bid to fix it.

How is marketing your products and services an offence? Do you now see why that phrase is bad sales lingo?

It gives your prospect the impression that you’re desperate

And maybe you are! I mean, you need the money to start rolling in because you’re bootstrapping and don’t want to have to starve. But your prospect sensing your desperation is bad for business. Think of how they tell you to show bravery even when you’re scared of dogs because they can smell your fear. Well, it’s kind of like that.

You send a “sorry to bother you again” email in an attempt to get the customer’s attention, but you’ve just given the customer the perfect excuse to go on ignoring you. Because why would you be desperate if you were selling value? That brings me to the third reason.

It suggests that your time and service is not valuable

This shouldn’t be the case. You’re in business to provide value in the first place, so if you’re doing that, you have nothing to apologise for.  Your customer’s time is not more valuable than yours. Maintain authority and equal footing with your prospect by never apologizing for being in their inbox. Let them see your value from the get-go.

If you ever find yourself typing this phrase in an email, stop. Instead, focus on the value you will provide to the prospect. Concentrate on grabbing their attention instead of “bothering” them again.

Here are some of the things that provide value in a sales follow-up email.

Substitutes To Saying, “Sorry To Bother You Again”

Send your prospect another customer’s testimonial

Modern customers trust their fellow customers to give honest feedback about a product or service they’ve used. That’s why the influencer industry has become so huge. And this is how testimonials add value to a marketing campaign.  A review from you won’t pack as much convincing power as a review from another customer.

Provide your prospect with the testimonial of an old customer, and include it in your email. For instance, begin your email with, “Here’s a snippet from one of our customers about my services.”

Add a link to a blog post

Sending a blog post is a great way to build credibility with your prospects. You’re giving them new information that will help them make a decision. Hopefully, it is the decision you want. If you’re going for attention-grabbing, try sending an email with a sassy title. You might also go all in and make a blog post just for them. I know that people generally prefer calls to emails in this part of the world, but there’s hardly a person who would ignore a blog post that had their name in the title.

Reference a mutual connection

Do you share mutual connections with your prospect? A Facebook friend or a LinkedIn connection? Mentioning your mutual connection lets your prospect ask about you and get some intel. It tells your prospect that if their friend enjoyed working with you, they might too. Hopefully, it’s good stuff they find when they ask about you.

It’s also great because it gives you something to bond over. For instance, you could say, “I see we have a mutual connection on LinkedIn: Mo Abudu. I created some content for her company a few months ago.” You’ve created a foundation for your conversation and relationship.

Compliment them

bother you again

If your prospect recently achieved a new feat – maybe they won an award or launched a new product – compliment them. This lets them know you’re paying attention and it’s a nice feeling to give. When you’ve put a lot into a new project, it would make you feel good to realize someone noticed.

Send a short email that goes something like, “I saw your recent product launch in the papers and wanted to congratulate you. It’s great to see that your business cares about helping people solve problems.” It’s short, complimentary and straight to the point.

Suggest a helpful tip

This is one of my favourites. A small strategy tip can help you build credibility and showcase the value of your insight into your prospective customers.

Your prospect shouldn’t feel pressured when your name appears in their inbox. I enjoy giving helpful insight and tips with my clients. It’s helped me buy their loyalty and build a relationship with them that transcends offering my services. Like someone once said, oversharing is a great way to make lasting sales.

If you reach out several times and they still don’t respond, then it’s time to walk away… for a while. Spend your valuable time on deals that you have a good chance of closing.

Great sales emails build rapport and credibility. Pay attention to your communication and you can improve your odds of a response, and eventually, a relationship.

Want to know how to market your lifestyle business on Instagram? Read this.

If you need help crafting the kind of emails that close deals and build customer loyalty, we’re more than happy to help. Email us now at hello@hustleafrica.com.

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12 Beginner Tips on How To Build A Successful Vlog

As far as lifestyle businesses go, vlogging and blogging are hot cake right now. Many Africans have successfully built blogs and vlogs and have grown to become influencers and celebrities. That’s the beauty of the internet and the thing with success. It has many friends, but what you don’t see is the labour and consistent hard work that lifestyle business owners put into their business. That’s why we’ve created these vlogging tips for beginners. We want to share with you things nobody else tells you about the early days of building your hustle.

As with every other business, the beginning days of a lifestyle business are like planting. You’re putting in all this effort that doesn’t seem to be yielding any results. It sometimes puts a dent in your passion. And of course, vlogging is a niche with high competition as we see new vloggers emerge often. But Neil Patel is of the opinion that vlogging still has a huge potential. And it’s one you can still tap into. So, do not worry. It is perfectly normal. Have a look at our vlogging tips for beginners.

Our 12 Vlogging Tips For Beginners

First, you need to know some basics. Like the difference between a blog and a vlog. Then you can learn how to do a vlog. So, if you’re interested in becoming a vlogger, you’re in the right place. But then, what is a vlog and how’s it different from a blog?

 

A vlog is a video that records a person’s life. It is a combination of the word ‘video’ and ‘blog’. As the name implies, a vlog is a video blog or video log that records a person’s thoughts, opinions, and interests mainly for publication on the internet. Whereas, the term blog is a short form of the word weblog. So, you can easily define the blog as a web blog. Read this article to understand what blogs are used for.

Here’s the difference between a blog and a vlog. A blog is a written piece of information whereas a vlog is created in a video format. Both can be created for an audience by a person who wants a personal connection with an audience. And often, they both aim at sharing a person’s thoughts, ideas, or experiences. Both involve the creation of content for a specific audience. They also involve a medium through which the content would be passed.

 

Vlogging Tips For Beginners: Becoming A Vlogger

Although starting a vlog channel seems like a simple task, there is more to it. It is not just about recording your pretty face and posting it. It goes beyond that. Anyone can make a video and post. But not everyone can make a video that’ll attract the right set of people.

Before you start vlogging, you need to spend some time doing research. This is to make you a successful vlogger. Also, you need to know how to make your channel stand out. Because there are several people into vlogging. So, generally, ensure you know about these vlogging tips for beginners.

  1. Conduct A Research
  2. Build On Your Passion
  3. Create A Niche
  4. Get Editing Skills
  5. Create A YouTube Channel
  6. Get The Right Equipment
  7. Choose Quality over Quantity
  8. Follow Trends
  9. Be Consistent
  10. Have A Signature Tune
  11. Make Viewers Opinions Count
  12. Be Yourself
  • Research

vlogging tips for beginners

This is as important as vlogging itself because it lays the foundation for you. Once you do this, there’ll hardly be any obstacle on your way again. And if there is, you’ll know how to handle them.

Like you’re doing right now, do your due diligence. Find out about the pros and cons of vlogging. Why? It’ll prep you for anything along the line. Besides, it’ll make you know the possible budget you need as a startup.

  • Build On Your Passion

Your passion will be very useful when vlogging. Because that’s what your vlogs should focus on. The secret here is to do what you love and let the world see it. Your vlogs should centre on the habits and skills you have. Make videos of them and share them with the world.

This will not only be easy for you to create content but ensure continuity. If you make videos to satisfy your audience alone, then you may be starting on a wrong note. And you’ll get stuck along the line on what to vlog about. Therefore, create a niche for yourself. Is your interest in fashion? Then, you can vlog about it and make it interesting.

  • Create A Niche

By this, it means you must have a clear focus on who your target audience is. When you create a niche, you won’t be a jack of all trades. Also, it means you’ve set a specific coverage area in your vlogs. You’ll decide on the kind of videos to make and for who. This will help you interact well with your audience. It’s very important to engage them. Also, this will show what appeals to you as a person.

As a beginner, you shouldn’t vlog on general and common topics. This is because a lot of people are doing this already. So, in line with your interest, decide on a unique niche. However, you must learn everything about your niche. You become a pro on that subject matter. This will help you interact well with your audience. It’s very important to engage them.

  • Get Editing Skills

Vloggers often start on YouTube as it’s the most popular channel for vlogging. It’s cool as it’s your best bet. You can make use of other social media later. But, what you need to know is that there are millions of channels on YouTube. That is, as a beginner, you’ll have to work to stand out. Can you now see that vlogging isn’t a joke?

One way of standing out is through your editing skills. A well-edited video will appeal to your audience. It’ll show expertise. So, it’s recommended you learn the art of video editing before you start vlogging. Then, you can be proud of a rich content that’s both interesting and of great quality.

  • Create a YouTube channel

There can be no vlog without a YouTube channel. Apart from YouTube, other channels aren’t as popular. Besides, vlogs are majorly for YouTube. Through this, you can reach your audience far and wide. It’s on your channel you show your videos to the world.

Also, in creating a YouTube channel, you need to take note of the following points:                                       

1. Use a name that best describes you. It’s ok to use your real name. Or you may brand yourself by using a combo of your names.

2. Make it easy to remember. Let your name itself drive traffic to your channel. Although as you grow, whatever name you bear will register as you become popular.

  • Get the right equipment For Your Vlogging

vlogging tips for beginners

Every business has its peculiar tools and equipment. As a vlogger, you need a good camera and a computer. This is obvious, right? It’s not just getting any camera. If you get a standard camera, the quality of videos you make is already top-notch. And by the time you edit, you’ll be amazed at the result.

But as a beginner, you may get one that’s ideal enough and get a professional camera later. A good camera makes your work easier.

Vlogging For Beginners: More Tips You Need To Know

 
 
 
 
 
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  • Choose Quality Over  Quantity

It is not how far but how well. Always ensure you deliver quality videos. It is good to always have videos to upload as it engages your audience. But, never upload a poor video. Ensure that your content is always on point.

Also, make them align with your brand. Remember it’s all about making an impression. A good camera and editing skills as discussed earlier will help you here.

  • Follow Trends

Trending topics help you get more popular. It’ll increase your follower base. People are interested in what’s trending. Let’s say your niche is fashion. If a celeb comes out with a particular dress style or a new design, you should do a video on that. You can bet it that people would love it.

Also, it wouldn’t do any harm to do a short video outside of your niche. But this shouldn’t be too often. The aim is to serve them hot on trending issues on your channel as well.

  • Be Consistent

how to vlog like a pro

This is very important. It tells your audience you know what you’re doing. Also, it’s good for your vlogging. Let your vlogs be frequent. You don’t start vlogging today and expect results immediately. No, it doesn’t work that way except you’re a celebrity Therefore, be consistent as you build your brand.

Also, be consistent in your airing time. If they know you upload at specific times daily, they watch out for such times. They want to watch as you upload a new video. So, you can’t afford to let them down. Try and stick to that time.

  • Have A Signature Tune

This vlogging tip is also very important. Get a nice song that tallies with your niche. You may use this at the beginning of your vlogs, end or both. This strikes a chord with your audience. Make it unique. This alone is worth looking out for in your vlogs.

It may also be in the form of an extra tip or info at the end of your videos. You can choose to sign out uniquely too. All of these remind them of you even when they are not watching your videos.

  • Make Viewers Opinions Count 

What to vlog about can be a hard task. As a vlogger, no matter how skilled you are, it is good you seek the opinion of your viewers at times. Ask them what topics they’d want you to vlog about. This will make them feel loved and have a sense of belonging. Also, it will save you the stress of racking your brain on what topic to discuss.

  • Be Yourself

In creating vlog content ideas for beginners, it is important to be yourself. Be natural. It will please your viewers to see you just the way you are. And think of it, trying to be someone else reduces your true value.

Besides, in a lifestyle business such as vlogging, originality is key. Rather than copy others, improve on the skills you pick along the way. These skills will make you unique. And in no time, you’ll become popular.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that you will vlog like a pro from now on. Remember to have fun while you work, and be yourself because as they say, everybody else is taken. We’re rooting for you!

Also read: Everything You Need To Know About Becoming A Successful Vlogger

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