Instead of stressing over your communications plan – or lack thereof – think of planning as a process of implementing tried and true methods of raising your awareness to bring a continual flow of business in your door.
But, be sure to avoid one-off fixes. You don’t need a gimmick – you need to be consistent and remain top of mind with past, current and potential clients and referral partners. This may seem like an easy solution, but you’ll be amazed at the results over time when you make sure the basics are covered.
There are always companies who promise a certain number of leads if you try one of their gimmicks for a month. But, chances are, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. And it typically costs a significant amount of money to try these ploys as well.
In order to measure the success of any communications device you implement for your business, you need to run with it for a period of time – typically a year – in order to build up your awareness.
Brainstorming
One of the best ways to decide which messages are the most important to cover when reaching out to clients and referral partners is to look at past efforts. Start by writing down some topics that have proven popular for you when communicating to your target audiences in the past.
What are those pressing questions you’re asked about all the time? Let’s get your answers out there so your clients know you have solutions to their problems.
Three free communications methods to include in your plan:
1. Social media posts – at least three times per week on three platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram will cover your bases)
2. Blogs – at least monthly to continually build your expert status (these can be repurposed in so many different ways, including as social media and database email content)
3. Database emails – at least monthly to your clients as well as key referral partners
Consistency is key. It truly is what you do day in and day out that will have the greatest positive impact on your business.
Add layers
Once you have the basics under control, you can then start adding new pieces to your communications plan. This can include a regular video blog (vlog), for instance, that you can host on your website – and also send out as a client email or useful tip on social media.
If you don’t have a plan, it’s difficult to keep track of your efforts. And revisiting that plan every quarter is essential to making sure what you’re doing is actually paying off. And, if not, this enables you to quickly change course so you’re always maximizing your time and money.
And if planning and writing aren’t your strong suits or the best use of your time, you can always enlist the services of an expert who can help ensure you’re on the right track. Answers to your questions are just a call or email away!