If you run your own business or you’re a freelance service provider, you’re always on the lookout for new ways to connect with customers. Your livelihood depends on a steady stream of customers and the web has opened countless opportunities for reaching new markets that simply weren’t available in the past. Digital marketing has revolutionized freelance and small business advertising, putting more businesses directly in touch with their markets. Search engines have replaced the phone book, providing instant answers and local business recommendations. Social media lets you stay in constant communication with your online customers. It’s a brave new world for online marketing, but it’s important not to lose sight of the basics that bring in customers.
For example, are you posting ads on online classified sites like Kijiji? If not, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to reach active buyers in your industry. Online classified sites connect freelancers and small businesses to local markets. Online classified ads put you directly in touch with people searching for what you have to offer, whether you’re an online retailer or a service provider. Every day, thousands of real estate agents, copywriters, accountants, personal trainers, childcare providers, tutors, and more use sites like Kijiji to drum up business.
But successfully advertising through classified ads is an art of its own. Writing a great classified ad starts with researching your competitor. Find out everything you can about big companies and other small business working in your vertical. As with any ad, classified ads for small businesses should differentiate you from the competitors. What makes you stand out from the pack? Why should the customer pick you to provide a service over the person selling in the next ad?
There are also some essentials to writing a great classified ad:
• Titles should be brief, to-the-point, and accurate. Useful information and keywords related to your business will draw more eyes than extra exclamation marks. Get down to specifics, too, including your rates (depending on the industry), but don’t forget to be creative.
• Describe your business in detail; anticipate customer questions and make your value proposition – tell them why you’re the better solution.
• Stay organized by using bullet points, paragraphs, and subheadings so that customers can quickly read through.
• Include photos, even if you’re providing a service, as they get attention and people are more likely to click.
• Don’t forget your contact information, including your location, your phone number, and email.
It’s so easy to advertise on online classifieds that thousands of businesses do it in cities all over the world. Some businesses rely on classifieds almost exclusively, and don’t even use websites, to their detriment. If you’re providing a service, make a convincing, good-looking website and always link to it in your classified ads. A logo will also help add authority and professionalism to your classified ads.
Last but not least, on most online classified sites you can also pay to promote your ad. That puts it up at the top of the page so that everyone will see it. Promoting your ad gives your brand a boost and draws eyes to your service.
Once you’ve successfully found customers online, as a freelancer or a small business, make it easy for your customers to pay. Thanks to E-Transfers and PayPal, you no longer have to wait for a cheque in the mail from your clients. But as financial technology evolves, there are other options that may be more convenient and easier to manage invoices and payments. Invoicing software like QuickBooks or Wave help you setup digital invoices, invoice reminders, and recurring building. Small businesses and freelancers have a tough time getting paid by clients who shrug off reminders or are simply busy. Save yourself the headaches of e-commerce and use invoicing and payment technology. Use every resource you can afford to simplify your work and the customer experience.
E-commerce through classified ads is an effective way to grow your business. A great website, invoicing software, and promoted ads will keep everything running smoothly.